[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 49 (Thursday, April 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF RICHARD KWASNESKI, MAYOR OF LEMONT, IL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JUDY BIGGERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 4, 2001

  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Kwasneski, 
who in just a few weeks will be retiring as Mayor of Lemont, Illinois, 
which is located in my congressional district.
  Our local governments could not work if it were not for people like 
Rick--they serve their hometowns for no other reason than because they 
love where they live.
  Rick Kwasneski surely loves Lemont. For the past 16 years, Rick has 
served the people of Lemont with dedication and honor, first as a 
Village Trustee for eight years and then as Mayor for the past eight.
  As Mayor, Rick led the economic and physical revitalization of 
Lemont's historic downtown area, created a Historic District in the 
downtown area to promote and preserve the rich history of Lemont, and 
reconstructed the town's aging infrastructure and roadways. He also 
lowered the Village's property tax rate to its lowest level in 25 
years.
  Rick is a tireless champion for Lemont, always working to improve the 
Village wherever there is a need. The residents of Lemont were lucky to 
have him as Mayor and I know he will be missed.
  I am going to miss Rick as well. Since I came to Congress a little 
over two years ago, Rick has been a valuable partner on issues 
important to Lemont, such as the southern extension of I-355 and extra 
train service on the Heritage Corridor rail line that serves Lemont.
  Mr. Speaker, let me close by saying that we need more excellent 
individuals like Rick Kwasneski to go into public service. His selfless 
hard work and advocacy for Lemont are a model for all of us.
  And even though he will no longer serve as Mayor of Lemont, I know 
that he will continue to have a strong presence in the community, 
lending a hand whenever and wherever it is needed.

                          ____________________