[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 97 (Thursday, July 12, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S7586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI AS AN ALL-AMERICAN CITY

 Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President. I am proud to take this 
opportunity to honor a very special place in Missouri. On Saturday, 
June 23rd, Independence, MO, the hometown of Harry S. Truman, was 
selected as an All-American City. The All-American City Competition is 
the Nation's oldest award for civic accomplishment. The winning cities 
serve as ``models of exemplary grass-roots problem solving.''
  A 51-member delegation of business interests, community leaders, and 
nonprofit organizations came together to lead Independence's 
participation in the competition. While community partnerships are 
sprouting up in cities across America, Independence is in a league of 
its own. Under the leadership of Mayor Ron Stewart, Independence has 
achieved a real sense of unity and community. So many different 
entities with widely divergent interests were recognized for their 
ability to successfully work together when faced with civic challenges.
  Independence's winning presentation, appropriately themed ``Together 
We Can,'' highlighted recent citywide improvements such as cleaning up 
the historic Truman district, a sales tax approved by the voters to 
repair streets and parks, and the William Chrisman High School program 
which involved youth in public service programs. Furthermore, even 
Independence's physical presence at the competition was a united 
effort. Community groups worked together to raise funds to pay for the 
trip and prepare the presentation. This truly exceptional community 
certainly deserves its prestigious recognition as an All-American City.
  Congratulations to Mayor Ron Stewart, participation coordinator Larry 
Kaufman, the delegation, and the residents of Independence. Your 
passionate work epitomizes the unlimited possibilities of cooperation. 
Thank you for making me proud to be a Missourian.

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