[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 157 (Sunday, November 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MAYOR RAY BLEDSOE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, November 8, 1997

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to rise 
today to pay tribute to Mayor Ray Bledsoe of Howe, TX, who last month 
received the national Hometown Leadership Award, given by the National 
Association of Small Cities. Only 300 officials in the country received 
this award, and I am so pleased that my good friend and outstanding 
civic leader, Ray Bledsoe, is one of those.
  Ray is always at the center of community service in Howe. He has 
served Howe as mayor for the past 11 years. He has spearheaded economic 
development and was instrumental in obtaining a connector road from 
Highway 11 and U.S. Highway 75. He helped put together funds for a new 
community center and coordinated a joint effort between the city and 
school district to build two new baseball parks. He is the president of 
the Grayson County Fair, serves on a half-dozen boards, and works about 
60 hours a week taking care of the city of Howe's business--all without 
pay.
  Ray not only provides leadership and guidance for the citizens of 
Howe but also provides hands-on service. Last month, as reported by the 
Herald Democrat. he was at the Grayson County Fair unfolding chairs, 
moving extension cords, and setting up booths. Earlier he built a fence 
around a statue of Judge Jake Loy, then got on his hands and knees and 
landscaped around it. Ray is willing to help with any task--no matter 
how large or small--and he is respected and beloved by the citizens of 
Howe.
  Mr. Speaker, in the small towns and cities of America, the mayor 
plays an indispensable role in the functioning of the community. Often, 
as in Howe, this is an unpaid position. Too often the mayor receives 
far more complaints than thanks. So as we adjourn today, Mr. Speaker, I 
would like to take this opportunity to recognize an outstanding civic 
leader of Howe and an outstanding American--Mayor Ray Bledsoe--and to 
thank him for a job well done.

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