[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 105 (Thursday, July 28, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S9279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MAYOR HARRY MIMS

 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, today I wish to say a few words 
about one of Louisiana's finest public servants, Mayor Harry Mims of 
East Hodge. Mayor Mims recently celebrated his 91st birthday and has 
dedicated the past 37 years to the people of East Hodge as their mayor. 
First elected in 1968, he has the distinction of being the first and so 
far only mayor of this community, population of 366. In fact, some say 
that if it I were not for Harry Mims, there would not be an East Hodge 
as he was instrumental in the city's founding.
  Mayor Mims' motto that has made East Hodge thrive is one many small 
town politicians understand, when there is work to be done, ``You have 
to do it yourself.'' One of the best examples of his drive to bring to 
East Hodge some of the amenities and services enjoyed by their 
neighbors is his unyielding efforts to pave the streets of East Hodge. 
At one point in recent history, the streets were too narrow for cars to 
pass. The mayor wrote grant after grant to find the money he needed to 
manage this small community and as a result of his tenacity, they now 
have a new town hall, a large water system, two apartment buildings, a 
fire station, two trucks and a community center.
  Last Saturday, the Louisiana Chapter of the National Conference of 
Black Mayors honored Mayor Mims for his years of service to the people 
of East Hodge and the State of Louisiana. Mayor Mims told them he plans 
to run for 8 more years, if the Lord will allow him to. It is my 
fervent prayer that the good Lord allows Mayor Mims to continue to 
serve the people of East Hodge as he has so diligently for the past 37 
years and that he does so in the best of health. As the daughter of a 
Mayor, I know that the people of East Hodge join me in this prayer. 
Thank you Mayor Mims, for all that you have done and continue to do for 
the people you serve.

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