[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 30, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1447-E1448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF NACOGDOCHES COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM TURNER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 30, 1999

  Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of three 
extraordinary East Texans: Robert Spencer, Dorothy Tigner and Eddie 
Upshaw, all elected law officials in Nacogdoches County which I 
represent as part of Texas' Second Congressional District.
  In an age where community action and politics are often, 
unfortunately, viewed with an indifferent or cynical eye, it is both 
uplifting and inspiring to encounter instances where public servants, 
through their professional efforts in and for the community, earn for 
themselves the gratitude and high regard of their fellow citizens. This 
is certainly true in the case of these three public officials who were 
recently awarded recognition by their peers and colleagues in the 
Commissioners' Court of Nacogdoches County.
  County citizens are fortunate to have working on their behalf 
individuals such as Mr. Robert Spencer, who as the first African-
American Justice of the Peace in Nacogdoches County, has played an 
integral role in educating the community's children on the dangers of 
drug use and school truancy. Prior to his election to this post, Mr. 
Spencer also served as a Deputy Sheriff in Nacogdoches County. His 
colleagues in the community have duly recognized his valuable work to 
establish and facilitate improved communication between the court 
system and law enforcement centers in the area.
  Nacogdoches County organizations and boards truly have a friend in 
Dorothy Tigner, who was elected last year to serve as Justice of the 
Peace. As such she is the first woman to serve in this post. Prior to 
this, Ms. Tigner served for 5 years as the Administrative Court 
Assistant for the 145th Judicial District Court. In what must be 
limited free time, Dorothy Tigner plays an active role in the 
community, serving in several public service organizations including 
the Nacogdoches County Child Welfare Board and the Nacogdoches County 
Community Justice Counsel.
  A graduate of the East Texas Police Academy, Mr. Eddie Upshaw plays 
an integral role

[[Page E1448]]

in the daily law enforcement activities of Nacogdoches County. 
Following 9 years spent with the Nacogdoches Police Department, Mr. 
Upshaw went on to work for the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Department. 
In 1992, voters made evident their support of his efforts by electing 
Eddie Upshaw to the post of County Constable. He is the first African-
American to serve in this post and continues in his important work to 
reduce truancy in County schools. In addition, Mr. Upshaw's numerous 
articles regarding the civil aspect of law enforcement have been 
published in local newspapers.
  I'm sure my Texas colleagues join me in paying tribute to these three 
individuals. Their past experience and continuing accomplishments in 
the public service realm are a credit to the community in which they 
serve, and we wish them well in the journey and challenges which surely 
lie on the path ahead.

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