[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 155 (Friday, December 15, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S11912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ALLAN W. WITTE

 Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary contributions of Allan W. ``Buck'' Witte to the people of 
Adams County, Illinois, and to congratulate him on his recent 
retirement.
  One week ago, Al Witte quietly retired as Adams County Treasurer, a 
post he had held since 1992. But his public service contributions 
extend far beyond the treasurer's office. Al spent three years on the 
Adams County Board, winning a district in 1990 that, quite frankly, he 
wasn't supposed to win.
  During his tenure on the County Board and in the treasurer's office, 
he became one of the most popular public servants in Adams County, 
drawing the largest vote totals of any county official. He followed in 
the footsteps of his late father, Art Witte, a hard working Adams 
County Clerk, who dedicated himself to a lifetime of public service.
  Prior to his tenure on the Adams County Board and his service as 
Treasurer, Al worked for 30 years at Gardner-Denver in industrial 
engineering, retiring from that post in 1989.
  Anyone who knows Al is aware of his strong support for the Democratic 
Party, an unyielding loyalty that ensured he was the first phone call 
made by any Democratic politician arranging a visit to Adams County. 
Although at times a fierce partisan, he kept winning elections by 
appealing to Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. He was a true 
bridge builder and an effective county and party official.
  Mr. President, I have had the honor of working with Al Witte for most 
of this past decade, including when I represented Adams County and 
Quincy in the U.S. House of Representatives. I have always been taken 
by his dedication, loyalty, and commitment to public service. His will 
be incredibly big shoes to fill.
  In closing, Mr. President, I applaud Al for his commitment and his 
efforts to improve the quality of life in Adams County, Illinois. I 
send my best wishes to Al for a happy and healthy retirement that 
allows him to spend a great deal of time with his wife, Mary, his 
children, and his grandchildren. We'll miss Buck, but will take comfort 
in the fact that he is only a phone call away.

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