[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 21, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF THE RETIREMENT OF WILLIAM S. HARTSOCK

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I ask that the Senate join me today 
in commending William S. Hartsock for his 28 years of service on the 
Farmington City Council. Originally elected to the city council in 
1973, Bill has long been known for his diplomacy and commitment to 
community and his retirement will be celebrated on May 30.
  When Bill first ran for City Council in 1971, he had to petition for 
permission to run because he was under 21, the voting age at the time. 
Though he lost his first election, he was not deterred and won 2 years 
later. Since that time, he has devoted countless hours to his community 
as an elected official, including four terms as Mayor of Farmington.
  During his tenure on the City Council, Farmington has faced many of 
the same challenges which confront small towns and cities across the 
country. One of the most trying challenges is the emigration of 
business out of the downtown area to large malls on the fringes of 
Farmington. Despite this trend, he remains optimistic and has long 
worked to attract small business to the downtown area and enhance its 
appearance.
  Bill has also invested a tremendous amount of time serving on local 
and national boards. He has been a board member of the Founders Day 
Festival, the Botsford Hospital Development Fund, and the Farmington 
YMCA. He also founded and was past president of the Farmington Area 
Division for the American Heart Association, and past president of the 
Farmington Exchange Club, and the Huron River Hunting and Fishing Club.
  In these days of power politics, Bill's was concerned solely with 
what was best for his community. He believed that local government had 
the greatest impact on peoples everyday lives, and commented ``All 
local politics are very personal.'' I believe that many of my Senate 
colleagues would concur with Bill's belief that the most enjoyable part 
of his job was talking to young people. He loved to travel to local 
schools and talk to students about government.
  Bill has helped guide Farmington for nearly three decades. All of 
those whom he so faithfully served will miss his integrity and good 
humor. I know my Senate colleagues will join me in thanking William S. 
Hartsock for his distinguished career wish him well in the years 
ahead.

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