[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 23, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1-E2]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JACK ABERNATHY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2002

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man that 
has become an institution in the city of Davison, MI, Mr. Jack 
Abernathy. Jack recently retired after being the city manager for the 
past 28 years. He was honored at a community gala on January 19 in the 
city of Davison.
  I have known Jack for many years. Jack was a teacher prior to running 
for public office. He was elected to the Davison City Council in 1969, 
the same year that Davison earned its nickname as the ``City of 
Flags.'' After serving as a councilman and as mayor, Jack was appointed 
the city manager in 1974. In this capacity he was accountable for the 
police, fire, parks, community development, building and zoning, and 
public services departments; and the offices of Assessor, City Clerk 
and City Treasurer. Jack was the liaison between the City Council, city 
government employees, and residents. It was his responsibility to keep 
informed about developments in local government, to respond quickly to 
problems, and seek solutions within and if necessary outside the 
community. It is a tribute to his personality that he performed his job 
with grace, forbearance and finesse.
  During this time Jack was the moving force behind several 
organizations and services. He helped to start the Davison-Richfield 
Area Fire Authority, Genesee County Small Cities Association, the 
Davison Area Ambulance Authority, the Davison Senior Center Authority, 
Davison Area Recycling, Davison Area Parks and Recreation Commission, 
Davison Area Economic Development Authority, the Davison Skatepark, and 
the Genesee County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. He was 
instrumental in initiating the first public transportation system Dial-
a-Ride program in a small city, and keeping the Secretary of State's 
office in Davison. Jack helped build the Senior Centers, and worked 
with Genesee County on the Waste and Water program, the 911 program and 
organizing countywide recycling.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
honoring the epitome of a public servant, Jack Abernathy. His service 
to his community and fellow citizens is an inspiration to everyone 
aspiring to make this a better world. His selfless commitment to 
service has benefited persons far beyond the Davison community.

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