[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1733]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                TRIBUTE TO MR. WALLACE ``WALLY'' JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 1998

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize the outstanding efforts of Selectman Wallace 
``Wally'' Johnson. For thirty-nine years Mr. Johnson has worked 
diligently to further the best interests of his community, Sutton, 
Massachusetts. Mr. Johnson's incredible career is unfortunately coming 
to a close since he recently announced that he will not seek re-
election when his current term expires.
  Wally Johnson has live in Sutton since the mid-1930s. His first job 
after high school was with the clean-up crew after the Hurricane of 
1938. At a time when people were trying to put their lives back 
together, Wally Johnson was there to help. Wally worked on his family's 
farm, as well as giving his neighbors a helping hand when they needed 
one. Even as a young man, Mr. Johnson displayed his fervent desire to 
make Sutton, Massachusetts a better place.
  Before being elected to the Board of Selectman, Mr. Johnson served 
his country for four years during World War II. From 1942-1946, Mr. 
Johnson, along with is fellow brave American soldiers, defended the 
American way of life, ensuring us the right to live free. The strength 
of character that Mr. Johnson needed to fight in World War II has 
stayed with him to this day.
  In a time when many people in the United States are trying to expand 
into every rural area, Mr. Johnson has remained steadfast in his 
conviction that Sutton retain its old town character. He demanded that 
the new Town Hall be placed on the exact site of the old Town Hall and 
he has recently decried local urbanization efforts which he feels would 
bring hardship to the residents of his town. He believes that the old 
way of doing things is the better way and he has dedicated his career 
to keeping the morals and values of his youth alive in Sutton.
  His service, dedication, and strong character have made Wally Johnson 
an indispensable member of his community. I am proud to count Wally 
Johnson as one of my constituents and feel honored to represent a 
person of his quality in Congress.

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