[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO H. CLAY SWANZY UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 31 YEARS SERVICE IN 
                             THE U.S. HOUSE

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                           HON. TERRY EVERETT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to a dear 
friend and exemplary congressional staffer who served well the people 
of South Alabama for over three decades. It is with some sadness that I 
announce that Clay Swanzy, my long time chief of staff, will retire in 
November from the House of Representatives.
  When you think of the success and contributions of Alabama's 
Congressional Delegation over the years, you would be remiss not to 
recognize the strong support role of many of its knowledgeable staff. 
We have a lot of talented people working for us here on the Hill, but 
perhaps none is more fondly thought of, or more noted for his 
abilities, than Clay Swanzy.
  A native of Chickasaw and graduate of the University of Southern 
Mississippi, Clay joined the staff of Congressman Jack Edwards of 
Mobile in 1971. Fresh from the newsroom of the Mobile Register, Clay 
found it easy to trade his reporter's notebook for the desk of a 
congressional press secretary.
  In ten short years, he climbed the ladder of seniority to become 
chief of staff for Congressman Bill Dickinson. Upon Dickinson's 
retirement in 1992, I was pleased that Clay chose to stay on and head 
my office for these last ten years.
  Members of Congress frequently get the lion's share of attention for 
much of what is accomplished in these Halls. However, if it were not 
for the tireless and devoted efforts of staffers like Clay, Congress 
would be less efficient and certainly less productive.
  Clay never liked to take the spotlight and has been happiest laboring 
behind the scenes to ensure that the people of Alabama's Second 
Congressional District have been well served. Ironically, most back 
home have never heard of Clay, but they have certainly benefited from 
his work.
  I would like to personally thank Clay for his devotion to me and the 
people of Southeast Alabama as well as his friendship. He will be 
sorely missed. I also wish he and his wife, Dianne, a happy retirement 
in their new home of Fairhope, Alabama.




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