[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 49 (Thursday, April 21, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E726-E727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF BILLY PAUL CARNEAL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2005

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Billy Paul Carneal, a 
Springfield, Tennessee, native who has dedicated his life to public 
service and the past 11\1/2\ years as the executive director of the 
Springfield-Robertson County Chamber of Commerce. Billy Paul has 
decided to retire from the chamber, and I want to thank him for all he 
has done for his community, which I have the honor of representing in 
this esteemed body.

[[Page E727]]

  Billy Paul has served as a teacher in Robertson County, a school 
principal and administrator in nearby Cheatham County, the mayor of 
Springfield and a volunteer firefighter. In addition, he currently 
serves as a Robertson County commissioner. Billy Paul's contributions 
to his community can be traced to his grandfather, R.W. Darke, who was 
a member of both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly and the city 
clerk for Springfield.
  Billy Paul's service as a public school teacher and administrator is 
especially admirable. He says he became an educator because his 
teachers in high school and college served as excellent role models for 
him. He then passed his own passion for case history and government to 
a new generation. Today, his former students are doctors, lawyers, 
public officials and teachers.
  As mayor of Springfield, Billy Paul was instrumental in changing the 
city's form of government from three at-large commissioners to a board 
of mayor and aldermen, with a city manager to oversee operations. He 
says the decision to seed the change in government was one of the 
toughest he made as mayor.
  Billy Paul's latest contribution to his community involved a very 
successful tenure as the executive director of the chamber. In this 
capacity, he improved immensely the quality of life for Robertson 
County residents. But Billy Paul did not do all this alone. He had help 
from many in the community, and he had the love and support of an 
understanding wife and family. He attributes the support of his wife, 
Pat, and their three children for his accomplishments. Billy Paul, I 
wish you well in your future endeavors and thank you for your service 
to a community you obviously cherish.

                          ____________________