[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 34 (Thursday, March 4, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S2342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO WILBUR MACDONALD NORRIS, JR.

 Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of a dynamic Kentucky judge-executive and dedicated 
teacher, Wilbur MacDonald Norris, Jr.
  Wilbur ``Buzz'' Norris served the State of Kentucky for 39 years, 
first as a teacher of government and politics for 30 years at Daviess 
County High School, and then for 9 years as Daviess County's judge-
executive, the county's highest ranking elected official. Buzz also 
served his country with service in the United States Army for two 
years.
  Buzz is truly a product of Kentucky. He completed his undergraduate 
degree at Kentucky Wesleyan College, and received a master's degree 
from Western Kentucky University. Buzz's deep-rooted background in 
Kentucky certainly served him well in his years of commendable service 
to our great state.
  Buzz's career in Daviess County politics was marked by his 
willingness to fight for what was best for the county. He was heralded 
for his ability to work with county officials of both parties, and was 
effective numerous times in bringing the sometimes opposing sides 
together in a compromise that pleased almost everyone and was always of 
benefit to Daviess County.
  Buzz was praised for bringing hundreds of jobs to the county with the 
creation of MidAmerica Airpark and bringing Scott Paper, now Kimberly-
Clark, to Daviess County. It is widely speculated that, without these 
two companies' presence in Daviess County and Buzz's essential role in 
bringing them to the Owensboro, the county's economy would never have 
reached its current level of growth.
  The legacy Buzz has left in Kentucky county politics also includes 
his efforts to build and maintain a much-needed landfill in Daviess 
County. The completion of the landfill will save the county countless 
dollars in fees in the future, and leaves yet another lasting impact 
from Buzz's priceless leadership.
  Aside from Buzz's successful career holding county office, some of 
his proudest accomplishments come from his 30 admirable years as a 
teacher. Buzz taught high school politics and government classes at 
Daviess County High School and served the county by teaching a 
``Problems in Government'' class for the Daviess community. Students in 
the class followed Buzz' example and plunged into the politics of local 
concerns, impacting decisions about topics such as highways and 
downtown revitalization.
  Buzz Norris left his mark on Daviess County, and I have no doubt he 
will continue to contribute his time, effort and energy to the 
community for many years to come. I thank Buzz for his service to 
Kentucky, and I am confident my colleagues join me in my commendation 
of his work.

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