[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 74 (Monday, May 19, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H4221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOHN WEAVER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. KENNEDY of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to 
speak in honor of a great Minnesotan, a man I am honored to call 
friend, John Weaver. John is a lifetime resident of Anoka, Minnesota, 
the Halloween Capital of the World; and a city I am honored to 
represent.
  John has had an extraordinary life over the last 75 years, and the 
way he has lived that life is truly an example to others. Graduating as 
the valedictorian of Anoka High School in 1946, he then attended the 
University of Minnesota, where he pursued a degree in civil 
engineering. While in college, John still managed to serve his country 
admirably aboard the USS Iowa and the USS Boxer in the Pacific Ocean 
while in the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps.
  After graduating and building a thriving business, he never lost 
sight of what was truly important.

                              {time}  1930

  His highest priority was and remains his family, his wife Jill and 
their three children, Jeff, Sara and Martha. Even with his commitment, 
or frankly because of his commitment to his family, he was drawn to 
service in the community.
  Starting with his service on the Anoka-Hennepin school board in 1971, 
he made it clear that he wanted to give something back to the 
community, and the people he served recognized this, returning him to 
the school board for two additional terms before they made it clear 
that they wanted him to use his abilities to help all Minnesotans. As a 
reward for his tireless dedication to improving the community, John's 
peers elected him to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1978. He 
distinguished himself by his service there.
  Even after John left the State Capitol, he did not leave public 
service. Serving on the Anoka City Council beginning in 1983 and right 
up to the present day, John's energy has been put to good use for the 
community and the State of Minnesota. Despite his lengthy record of 
service and achievements in elected office, John has always looked for 
more opportunities for involvement. He was appointed and reappointed to 
the Mississippi River Coordination Commission by President George 
Herbert Walker Bush and President Clinton. He also served on the 
Minnesota Metropolitan Council of Transportation Board and was involved 
in countless community activities, including helping with the Anoka 
County History Museum. His service has had an impact on the lives of 
people across the States and the country.
  But I think his greatest impact is not just on what he has done for 
us today but the impact he will have in the future. He has been very 
involved with the Boy Scouts of America since he himself achieved Eagle 
rank more than half a century ago. His years of involvement with the 
Scouts, the number of young men that he has helped to guide their lives 
to good character and good citizenship are countless.
  Mr. Speaker, Minnesota is called The Star of the North. With people 
like John Weaver, that star burns brightly.
  Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. KENNEDY of Minnesota. I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota.
  Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to echo the praise of the 
gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy) for a great Minnesotan, a great 
American, and a man I am proud to call a friend. John Weaver is an 
exemplary citizen both of his community and of his Nation.
  As a father of three, grandfather of six and loving husband, his 
dedication to his family is evident. But despite his family-first 
philosophy, he has continued to find time to serve his community. That 
makes his involvement all the more meaningful. A life-long resident of 
Anoka, John Weaver has served the Anoka City Council since 1983. In a 
true demonstration of what it means to serve, John Weaver saw a need 
and met it head on.
  When asked why he decided to run, Weaver said, ``Anoka is potentially 
at a crossroads. We have some interesting challenges, not the least of 
which is the financial picture.''
  Standing up for his community, John has fought tirelessly to ensure 
his small town is not overlooked by the State of Minnesota. John Weaver 
believes that it is important that the people of Anoka see a return on 
their taxes in the form of outstanding government services. He has gone 
far beyond advocating this message, personally setting an example to 
other community leaders.
  He has a long resume of public service that the gentleman from 
Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy) has already enumerated. Let me say his 
dedication to his community is clear, and it is an honor to recognize 
this fellow Minnesotan and a great American.

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