[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 139 (Thursday, October 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO JOHN ZUTAVERN OF ABILENE, KANSAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 26, 2005

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize John 
Zutavern of Abilene, Kansas and congratulate him for receiving the 2005 
Excellence in Local Government award from the League of Kansas 
Municipalities. I commend him for his excellence in leadership and 
passion for helping citizens of Abilene and the State of Kansas.
  John's love for his community and his home-State is visible to 
everyone around him. He has been a diligent ambassador for Abilene and 
promotes the virtues of the city wherever he goes. He always welcomes 
guests with a warm greeting and hearty handshake. People like John are 
the ones who give small towns their good name.
  John is involved in many community and civic groups, and his 
influence extends to all areas of the community. John has served the 
citizens of Abilene as a member of the City Commission since 1991, 
serving as Mayor on two different occasions. He is responsive to 
citizens and is known for being unafraid to take on new challenges. 
Forward thinking and innovativeness are also characteristics that John 
possesses, both of which help him in his leadership roles.
  John's influence also extends to a state-wide level. He was appointed 
Chairman of the Governor's Advisory Committee for Children and Families 
where he served from 1996 to 2000. He currently serves on the Board of 
Directors for the Kansas Health Institute. John has also served the 
League of Kansas Municipalities and is considered ``the go-to guy'' on 
the Governing Body. He has served with the League since 1994, taking on 
the responsibility of Vice President, President, and Chair of the 
Executive Director search committee.
  I am pleased that John's hard work and dedication has not gone 
unnoticed by the people of Kansas. Tonight, I extend my congratulations 
to John for being the 2005 Excellence in Local Government Award 
recipient, an honor he well deserves. Thank you for your dedication to 
serving the people of Abilene and the people of Kansas.

                          ____________________