[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO GOV. JOHN C. WEST

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the State of 
South Carolina's 109th Governor, John Carl West, who I am honored to 
count among my dear friends and of whom I am proud to be a protege. 
Born on August 27, 1922, former Governor West will celebrate his 80th 
Birthday during the upcoming August recess.
  John C. West began his public service as a Member of the South 
Carolina Highway Commission from 1948--1952. In 1955, he was elected to 
the South Carolina State Senate from Kershaw County where he served for 
11 years. His campaign was based entirely on the need for improved 
health care for the citizens of South Carolina.
  In his first statewide election in 1967, Governor West was elected 
Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. He held this position until 
1971, when he was elected South Carolina's 109th Governor.
  Constitutionally limited to one term, Governor West nevertheless made 
his mark on our State in ways that still benefit us today. Among his 
many legacies are the integration of the Governor's Executive staff, 
and creation of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission, the 
State's fair employment, fair housing, and affirmative action agency. 
Both were firsts for a southern state. He also created the South 
Carolina Housing Finance Authority, which developed pioneering programs 
in affordable housing.
  After his distinguished service as Governor, he reentered the 
practice of law, but that was short lived. In 1977 President Jimmy 
Carter appointed him United States Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. His 
distinguished service as an Ambassador stretched from 1977-1981.
  Mr. Speaker, on August 24, 2002, Governor West's wife Lois and their 
children have invited other family members and friends to join them in 
celebration of the Governor's 80th Birthday. My family and I look 
forward to joining them on that occasion, and I ask you and my 
colleagues to join me in wishing him good luck, Godspeed, and a very 
Happy 80th Birthday.

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