[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING BOB LANIER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to recognize the 80th 
birthday of Bob Lanier, former Mayor of Houston and a dedicated public 
servant. Bob may not have entered politics until after his 66th 
birthday, but he certainly made up for lost time in the 14 years that 
followed.
  Bob had a distinguished career before he ran for Mayor of Houston. He 
served in the Navy during World War II, graduated from the University 
of Texas Law School with high honors, and chaired the Texas Highway 
Commission and Houston's Metropolitan Transit Authority.
  Bob has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, including 
the Hubert Humphrey Civil Rights Award, the Bond Market Association's 
Distinguished Public Service Award, and a place in the Texas 
Transportation Hall of Honor.
  Respected and admired by Americans on both sides of the aisle, Bob 
served the people of Houston exceptionally well during his three terms. 
They returned him to office in 1993 with over 91 percent of the vote, 
and he left office with a remarkable 78 percent approval rating.
  Within his first 90 days in office, ``Mayor Bob,'' as he was 
affectionately known, added 655 police officers, leading to a dramatic 
reduction in the city's crime rate. He was also known for revitalizing 
several areas of Houston, transforming them into vibrant engines of the 
city's economy.
  Further, he made tremendous strides in environmental preservation. He 
and his wonderful wife Elyse won two national awards for clean up and 
beautification of the city. President Clinton summed up Bob's 
contributions to the city when he said, ``He was a magnificent mayor.''
  Bob received many accolades during his six years as mayor, but 
perhaps most fitting was when Texas Monthly named him one of three top 
Texas mayors of the 20th century.
  Bob and Elyse are enjoying their retirement, and I am sure that their 
seven children and ten grandchildren will be a big part of helping them 
continue to enjoy it.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish Bob a very happy 80th birthday, and I hope that I 
can share in the celebration of many happy returns.

                          ____________________