[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 31 (Thursday, March 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E342-E343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE CITY MANAGER LARRY BLICK FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE CITY OF 
                         INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 10, 2004

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Larry 
N. Blick's retirement as City Manager of Independence, Missouri. Larry 
Blick came to Independence more than a decade ago with over 30 years of 
experience in public administration, and in these past 10 years has 
partnered with Mayor Stewart and the community to bring growth and a 
new spirit to this ``All American City.''
  As Independence City Manager, Larry inspired community trust and was 
instrumental in the passage of numerous measures necessary to the 
revitalization of Independence's infrastructure, neighborhoods and 
parks. An active member of the International City/County Management 
Association, Missouri Municipal League Board, and the Independence 
Council for Economic Development, Larry Blick has served tirelessly in 
prominent roles with these

[[Page E343]]

professional associations and boards. Through MARC, the Mid America 
Regional Council, he was instrumental in the economic development of 
the Little Blue Valley and the creation of the I-70/Little Blue Parkway 
interchange to ease traffic flow and provide access for valley 
expansion. His leadership was an integral part of the development of 
eastern Jackson County, particularly his focus on neighborhood 
revitalization, road improvements and numerous renovations to area 
parks.
  I am honored by the opportunity to collaborate with Larry Blick and 
Mayor Ron Stewart to secure Federal funding for local projects such as 
the Lewis and Clark Roadway, the Memorial Building, grants to support 
local first responders in protecting our community, FEMA assistance for 
the devastating 2002 ice storm, and for the expansion of the Blue River 
Community College to train our law enforcement officials and first 
responders. A lasting achievement for which he will long be remembered 
is his efforts to secure the prestigious title of ``All American City'' 
for Independence in 2001. Larry Blick's work with the community played 
a crucial role in highlighting Independence's enterprises, schools, 
parks and history to earn the support of the All-America City Program.
  Around his office, Larry carries a coffee mug that states, ``Will 
golf for food.'' I join with myriad others in wishing him time during 
his retirement to hit the greens and spend quality time with his loving 
family.
  Another great leader from Independence, President Harry S Truman, 
made this observation in 1951: ``Unless a man is fundamentally sound 
ethically, you can't teach him what to do as a public servant.'' As 
City Manager, Larry has exhibited exemplary vision, sound values and 
unwavering commitment to fundamental issues important to all of us.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting the remarkable service of 
retiring City Manager Larry Blick. His leadership will be missed, but 
his accomplishments will live on as a reminder of the difference he 
made by his outstanding service to the city of Independence, Missouri.

                          ____________________