[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 73 (Tuesday, June 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO RICHARD SIMMONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2000

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who is a 
dear friend of mine, Richard Simmons, on the occasion of his retirement 
from elected service to the constituents of State House District 84.
  Richard Simmons has served the State of Arkansas and his country all 
of his life. He graduated from Rector, Arkansas High School in 1959 and 
later Mississippi State University with a degree in agriculture. In 
addition to Richard's schooling, he served six years in the Air Force 
Reserves. He is a lifelong resident of Clay County and has been active 
in farming since 1965.
  Through his years in Arkansas, Richard has been active in state, 
civic, and community life and has always worked to represent 
agriculture, the greatest profession ever. He has served on the Clay 
County Conservation District Board for twenty years. He is currently 
Vice Chairman of that agency. Richard has also served on the Democratic 
Central Committee for twenty years and has been the Chairman of the 
Democratic Central Committee for ten years now.
  Richard has been the State Representative from District 84 since 1995 
and is unfortunately ending his elected career due to term-limits. He 
has helped make strides in agriculture and economic development all 
across Arkansas by serving on the Rules Committee, House Revenue and 
Taxation Committee, Game and Fish Funding Sub-Committee, and Chairman 
of the House Agriculture and Economic Development Committee. Richard is 
also the Chairman of the First District House Caucus.
  Richard Simmons resides in Rector, Arkansas, where he grew up. He has 
devoted his life to agriculture and Arkansas and the world is a better 
place becasue of his service. I am proud to call him my friend and I 
wish him the best of luck in the future and many more years of 
happiness and service to this great country of ours.

                          ____________________