[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 143 (Sunday, October 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MAYOR, ANTHONY E. O'BLOCK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KLINK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 1998

  Mr. KLINK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Anthony 
O'Block, the distinguished and memorable first Mayor of Plum Borough. 
In his thirty years of service, Mayor O'Block, through his 
extraordinary commitment and diligence, placed the needs of his 
community front and center. He immigrated as a small child to the 
United States from Slovenia and settled in Plum.
  His early life in Plum was extremely modest, yet in the spirit of the 
American dream, he established his own construction company, presided 
over the successful People's Bank of Unity, and was one of the most 
respected figures in Pennsylvania Democratic politics. Despite his 
successes, he never forgot his roots, his family, or his neighbors 
throughout the borough. His love for his community led him to 
tirelessly focus on the needs of others and of the entire borough. 
During his tenure, Plum Borough gained recognition as a prosperous 
community, both for businesses and for families.
  Through his contributions to the growth and the development of the 
Plum community, he expanded social and community services, attracted 
business investment, and made the Borough a truly exceptional place in 
which to live. All this was accomplished while keeping taxes at an all 
time low, a truly remarkable task.
  Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to rise in tribute to 
Mayor Anthony E. O'Block. Mayor O'Block honored his family, his 
friends, and his community. He will forever be remembered as a friend 
and mentor to so many people. He will truly be missed.

                          ____________________