[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 120 (Wednesday, September 29, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MAYOR GEORGE HARVELL, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN S. TANNER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2004

  Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to George 
Harvell, Jr., who, after 20 years as mayor of Millington, Tennessee, 
has decided not to seek reelection in November.
  Mr. Harvell was born in Covington, Tennessee, but has lived in 
Millington since he was 3 years old. He was spurred to public service 
in 1968 after hearing an alderman dismiss the effects of U.S. Highway 
51 going through the city because it would not affect him personally. 
Mr. Harvell ran for alderman that year and served 16 years before 
becoming mayor.
  As mayor, Mr. Harvell dealt with a 1987 flood, paddling through town 
in a boat to check on residents. He also turned the 1993 closing of the 
town's Naval Training Station into a positive thing for Millington by 
building a subdivision to attract more upscale housing. He recently 
helped recruit the University of Memphis to Millington, where classes 
on a satellite campus began this fall.
  Known for his cool demeanor and fierce integrity, Mr. Harvell will be 
missed when he adjourns his last meeting December 6. I know he is 
looking forward to traveling and hunting as well as spending more time 
with Virginia, his wife of 50 years. But his departure certainly will 
be a loss to Millington and to the 8th District.
  Mr. Harvell has been more than a mayor. He has been a friend to his 
community. He has been a friend to me. Mr. Harvell also has been more 
than a public servant. He has been a public example of the impact a 
single person can have on his community when he sets his mind to it.
  Mr. Harvell has been a great mayor. He continues to be a great man 
and a great friend. I applaud his success and appreciate the time he 
has given and the commitment he has shown to Millington.

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