[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A SALUTE TO MARVIN L. GILLUM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to recognize my friend 
and constituent, Manassas Mayor Marvin L. Gillum. After a long and 
distinguished career serving the city of Manassas, Marvin has announced 
that he will retire from the position of mayor.
  Marvin entered public life in 1980 as a member of the Manassas School 
Board, serving as chairman from 1985 to 1995. In 1996, Marvin was 
elected mayor of the City of Manassas, an office which he has held ever 
since. In addition to his career as a public servant to his lifelong 
home of Manassas, Marvin practiced dentistry for 40 years and assumed a 
second career in investment advising in 1987.
  Throughout his career, Marvin has worked tenaciously on behalf of the 
City of Manassas. Among Marvin's many accomplishments, he helped 
establish a system for improved communications with neighboring 
jurisdictions, promoted the extensive industrial and commercial 
expansion in the City of Manassas, led the celebrated revitalization of 
Old Town Manassas, fought for funding for the Loy E. Harris Pavilion 
and the Center for the Arts, and encouraged the development of the 
city's school system, facilitating accreditation by the Virginia 
Standards of Learning.
  A humble and notoriously polite man, Marvin is referred to by friends 
and colleagues as a ``leader'' and a ``gentleman,'' known for his good 
sense and judgment, and stabilizing influence on the city. He worked 
closely and cooperatively with his staff and the rest of the City 
Council, acquiring the deepest respect from his peers. Vice Mayor Hal 
Parrish commented: ``Mayor Gillum is the very soul of Manassas. He has 
led the City Government, the School Board and the community with 
thought, idealism, and caring leadership . . . Speaking for all of the 
City Council, we will miss his insight and guidance when the decisions 
get difficult.''
  John Foote, a lawyer and personal friend of Mayor Gillum also said, 
``He's one of the finest men I've ever known. He's just a wonderful 
mayor . . . And I don't know anyone who doesn't share my emotion toward 
him.''
  Mayor Gillum is married to Mardi Gillum and they have three 
daughters.
  It is my pleasure to honor the achievements of Mayor Marvin Gillum 
today as we celebrate his eminent public career. On behalf of the 
people of Virginia's 10th Congressional District and the residents of 
Manassas, I wish to thank and congratulate Mr. Gillum for his 
exceptional contributions to the community.

                          ____________________