[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 114 (Tuesday, September 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING REPRESENTATIVE BILL L. RANSDALL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 2004

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, a distinguished career in the Missouri 
House of Representatives will soon end. Representative Bill Ransdall 
will be retiring at the end of the year.
  Rep. Ransdall was elected to the Waynesville City Council in 1978. He 
dedicated the next 18 years to serving the people of Waynesville, 
taking the position of Mayor Pro Tem in 1982. He then was elected 
Mayor, a position he held from 1988 through 1996.
  The people of the 148th district first elected Rep. Ransdall to the 
Missouri House in 1996 and reelected him to the maximum four terms 
allowed under state term limits laws. His leadership was recognized in 
the legislature and he was elected to the post of Assistant Minority 
Floor Leader. His advice and counsel have been sought in the 
legislature and in the administration on the complex issues of the 
state budget and legislative procedure.
  In addition to his legislative work, he has a record of service and 
leadership in the community--including the United Methodist Church, 
Association of the United States Army, Masonic Lodge No. 375 AF and AM, 
Abou Ben Adhem, Scottish Rite, Sojourners, Committee of Fifty, Missouri 
Cattlemens Association, Farm Bureau, Ducks Unlimited, and the National 
Wild Turkey Federation. He also has been a successful businessman and 
farmer.
  Rep. Ransdall has earned the respect of many throughout his district 
and the state. He received of the Outstanding Civilian Award with Medal 
by the Department of the Army. He also has been recognized as 
Legislator of the Year by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, earned the 
Legislative Recognition award from the Missouri Association for Career 
and Technical Education, and received the Missouri Vocational Special 
Needs Association Distinguished Service for Community Involvement 
Award.
  His tireless work on behalf of his constituents created many 
opportunities for economic expansion in the 148th district and beyond. 
He has been an effective advocate for his neighbors in their issues 
with the state agencies in Missouri.
  Mr. Speaker, Representative Ransdall's dedication to public service 
is an example to us all. He has devoted many years of his life to 
taking care of the needs of others. I am sure the other Members of the 
House will join me in thanking my friend Bill for his hard work and in 
wishing him and his wife, Pat, all the best in the years to come.

                          ____________________