[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 10 (Tuesday, February 8, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E85]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR OF MAURY MEYERS, MAYOR OF BEAUMONT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2000

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Maury Meyers, who 
will be receiving the Jay C. Crager Award from the American Heart 
Association. This award is given to outstanding citizens who have 
distinguished themselves with unselfish civic responsibility and 
community service. It is fitting that Maury Meyers is receiving this 
award because he has dedicated his life to serving his community.
  Maury meets the description of a leader, he has been involved with 
every aspect of the community, and taught us as a community to believe 
in ourselves. Maury has contributed so much to the community of 
Beaumont and the people who live there. He believes in Beaumont and its 
residents, and has unfalteringly placed his time and energy into its 
progression.
  Maury's first two terms as Mayor, from 1978-1982, changed the face of 
Beaumont and the character of the community through unparalleled 
initiatives. Maury returned to the Mayor's office in 1986 and faced a 
city that was suffering economically and was experiencing problems in 
the public and private sectors.
  The problem of economic recovery and the creation of jobs was Maury's 
top priority upon his return to office, he wanted to invigorate 
Beaumont and the people who lived there. To address this problem, he 
created the ``Worlds Largest Economic Development Committee'' when 
8,000 residents of all ages and walks of life filled the Beaumont Civic 
Center to participate in an economic summit.
  Maury Meyers is a people person, and he took that spirit to the 
Mayor's office. He believed that everybody had a role and a voice in 
their community, and during his time in office hundreds of private 
citizens served on city-appointed advisory committees, neighborhood 
town-hall meetings and public hearings. An organization known as 
``Planning Economic Progress'' was created by Maury and brought labor 
and management together on issues affecting commercial and industrial 
growth, as well as community development.
  The Texas Energy Museum is in Beaumont because of Maury's hard work 
and perseverance. Competition for the museum between Beaumont and other 
major cities and Universities was fierce, and conditions made it 
necessary to organize a strictly private effort. In just a few days, he 
was able to raise more than $1 million and brought the museum to 
Beaumont. He also founded the Southeast Texas Inc., a non-profit 
organization focusing on innovative regional economic development.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to speak on behalf of Mr. Maury Meyers 
and all of his accomplishments. He is a man that I look to for 
inspiration as I continue to work for the communities and neighborhoods 
of Texas. While I can not be with him when he receives his award, I am 
proud to recognize him on the floor of the House. He is a man who has 
committed his life not to himself, but to the people of Southeast 
Texas.

                          ____________________