[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E869-E870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE OF TOMMY MARLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2002

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
public service of a good friend of mine, Tommy Marlin. Tommy is 
retiring as the Sumner County executive at the end of his current term, 
which ends on August 31. He has served as the county's chief executive 
since 1994, but has served the residents of Sumner County, Tennessee, 
for 26 years.
  Tommy began his career in public service in 1976 after being elected 
the county's assessor of property. He might have chosen a different 
career path in light of the fact his brother and nephew were wrestlers 
in the National Wrestling Association. But Tommy was looking for a more 
combative arena to showcase his talents, so he chose politics.
  I'm glad Tommy entered the field of public service because he has 
helped me in my own career. He has been a longtime friend and advisor 
from my very first days in Congress.
  In 1988, Tommy was named Overall Outstanding County Official of the 
Year by the

[[Page E870]]

state of Tennessee. As county executive, his door is always open, and 
his card reads, ``It's a pleasure to serve you.'' One peek around his 
office and it's evident that his blood runs orange because he is an 
avid University of Tennessee football fan.
  The people of Sumner County could not have asked for a better public 
servant. His leadership and work ethic will be sorely missed. I 
cordially congratulate Tommy on his distinguished career as a public 
servant and wish him and his wife, Nancy, well in their future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________