[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF BURTON

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2002

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 30'h 
anniversary of the City of Burton. Festivities will be held on Memorial 
Day to honor the city upon its 30th anniversary.
  Originally organized as a township in 1856 the area was named after 
John Burton, a prominent local farmer. It had grown out of the Atherton 
Settlement founded by Shubael and Persus Atherton in 1829. Over the 
years the area gained population and changed from an agricultural 
community to a thriving suburban community. In 1971, then township 
supervisor Joseph Uvick and other township leaders made the decision to 
seek city status for the area. The township residents voted on May 16, 
1972 to incorporate as a city and the referendum passed by 25 votes. 
The city was officially formed later that year.
  In 1829 there were a handful of residents living in the Atherton 
Settlement. The 2000 Census recorded over 30,000 people living in the 
City of Burton. To keep pace the city government had to expand. The 
Police Department has grown from 20 part time officers to 41 full time 
police officers who conduct community and school policing, the DARE 
program and advise block groups about crime prevention, in addition to 
their regular duties. The Fire Department, while maintaining the 
volunteer spirit, requires the firefighters to go through hours of 
rigorous training and serves the city from three fire stations. The 
park system includes an outdoor area with a 40-acre facility, 
containing a lake, nature trails, a picnic pavilion, and a newly 
asphalted bike path. In addition to this facility there is a 380-acre 
nature preserve and education center. The Department of Public Works, 
the City Clerk's office and the Treasurer's office have also grown to 
meet the needs of Burton's residents. The city boasts of two libraries 
and three school districts.
  Under the leadership of Mayor Charles Smiley, the veterans of Burton 
dedicated a memorial on May 26, 1997 to honor those who died in combat. 
This has become a proud addition to the city and testament to the 
spirit and generosity of its citizens. Burton has prospered into the 
city it is today through the hard work of its leaders, civic employees 
and residents.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
congratulating the City of Burton on celebrating its 30th anniversary. 
I am very proud to be able to represent the City of Burton in Congress.

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