[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING MAYOR RONDELL STEWART OF INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2006

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to pay tribute to 
Mayor Ron Stewart, the arbitrator, peace maker and enthusiastic Mayor 
for the City of Independence, Missouri. After providing 12 years of 
planned economic advancement and growth for the city of Independence, 
Mayor Stewart has decided to retire.
  For 45 years Ron Stewart has made Independence a safer and more 
productive city. He began his career at the City on the Independence 
Police Force where he served for 31 years. He cultivated an 
appreciation and understanding of the City and its problems. Upon 
retirement he was encouraged to run for the Independence City Council 
and won. Two years later he ran for Mayor. The citizens of Independence 
elected Ron Stewart every time he ran for office. The All American City 
appreciates and enjoys every positive objective initiated by Ron 
Stewart aimed at building a brilliant future while preserving a rich 
heritage.
  During his three terms as Mayor he stimulated vibrant economic growth 
by working with public and private entities, and community 
organizations. He made it a priority to work closely with the 
Independence Chamber of Commerce, built partnerships with neighboring 
cities, championed relationships between state and federal elected 
officials, and strengthened international relationships with Sister 
City Higashimurayamam, Japan.
  The Mayor persuaded the City of Independence to pass a sales tax to 
repair a debilitating infrastructure. As a result of his leadership, 
streets continue to be repaired and built, a critical Storm Water 
Control problem has been rectified through increased maintenance and 
repair, the City's water supply system has been upgraded, electrical 
supply increased, and a nonfunctioning Parks Department now serves the 
city with new facilities, programs and refreshed parks.
  His honors and awards are numerous and include the United States 
Department of Transportation, Appreciation for Distinguished Leadership 
Award, 2000; The Jackson County Inter-Agency Council, Community Service 
Award, 1999; The Jackson County Historical Society Award for Service, 
1998; Chamber of Commerce, Distinguished Citizen Award, 1996; Kentucky 
State Police, Division of Department of Public Safety Award, 1966. He 
is a member of the F.O.P Lodge 1; National FBI Academy, Masonic Blue 
Lodge 76, Ararat Shrine, South Independence Optimist Club; American 
Legion Post 21; Fraternal Order of Eagles; Moose Lodge Rotary and the 
Lions Club.
  The citizens of Independence know Ron Stewart as a no-nonsense type 
of guy whose integrity has brought trust. He appreciates his life's 
treasures that include his family and his wife Marilyn who has been by 
his side for more than 46 years. He is a musician that enjoys singing 
and playing his steel guitar in his band, ``Country by Choice''. He 
rode into public service as a young Independence motor cycle patrol 
officer and continues to enjoy riding on his Harley-Davidson. His 
departing documentary was a video that followed the Mayor on his 
Harley-Davidson as he recounted his proudest accomplishments throughout 
the city.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues in the House join me 
in saluting the Mayor of Independence, Ron Stewart, for his leadership 
and many accomplishments for the City of Independence, Missouri. We 
wish him the very best as Mayor Stewart leaves public office with a 
song in his heart and time to explore on his Harley. Thank you, Ron 
Stewart for choosing to serve. You elevated Independence, Missouri to 
an All-American City.

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