[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 45 (Friday, April 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E516-E517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO TOM CATLETT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 2, 2004

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, our county courts are a key component of the 
example America sets for the rest of the world; but it is only as 
admirable as the men and women who serve within it. I am honored to 
rise today to pay tribute to a proud servant of the Monroe County 
Court, Tom Catlett, for the positive mark he has left on Monroe County 
and the courthouse he has dedicated his life to serving.

[[Page E517]]

  Mr. Catlett has served Monroe County for nearly 40 years, making him 
the longest serving county judge in Arkansas. Unfortunately for us, he 
has recently announced his intent to retire at the end of this year. 
This will end a journey which began on July 26, 1966 when Judge Catlett 
won the Democratic primary and was sworn in later the same year--he was 
40 years old.
  Since then, Judge Catlett has served 19 terms as county judge and has 
always called Monroe County home. He has shown the courthouse unmatched 
respect, specifically through a major renovation which raised the 
standard for beautifying county courthouses in Arkansas and across this 
country. It cannot be debated: Tom Catlett was a citizen who worked 
tirelessly for the growth and prosperity of Monroe County.
  Perhaps his service is best summarized by a statement he recently 
made when he announced his retirement, ``I am sure that when I look 
back on my life, I will see the last 38 years as the happiest times of 
all.'' Judge Catlett is a man who took pride in his work and is honored 
to be in a position to help his county excel. Judge Catlett's thirst 
for improving his community remains unquenched and I expect even after 
his retirement this year, the name Tom Catlett will permeate the 
accomplishments of Monroe County for years to come.
  On behalf of the Congress, I extend the utmost respect and deference 
for a man befitting such titles as county judge, community leader and 
example to us all. Tom Catlett is a roll model and I am honored to 
recognize him in this Congress.

                          ____________________