[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO COUNCILMAN DR. TURNER M. SPENCER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT C. SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2006

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
great citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia and a true public 
servant. On June 30, 2006, Councilman Turner M. Spencer will step down 
from the Hampton, Virginia City Council after 20 years of dedicated 
service. I would like to take a few moments to highlight just some of 
Councilman Spencer's achievements.
  Dr. Spencer holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Biology from 
Virginia State University, a master's degree in education from Hampton 
University, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the 
College of William and Mary.
  In 1958, Dr. Spencer served his country on active duty for 2 years in 
the United States Army, rising to the rank of captain, and he continued 
his military career with the United States Army Reserves, retiring as a 
major. Our grateful Nation is indebted to his service.
  Dr. Spencer's career in public service began in the classroom. He 
joined the faculty of Thomas Nelson Community College in 1968, 
eventually serving as Chairman of the Thomas Nelson Biology Department 
until his retirement in 2000. Dr. Spencer played an integral part in 
the education and training of thousands of students in Hampton and 
surrounding cities.
  In addition to his distinguished personal career, Councilman Spencer 
has had a long and prosperous political career. In 1986, he was first 
appointed to the Hampton City Council. He has served continuously on 
the council for the last 20 years, including a term as Vice-Mayor. He 
has also served his city as Chairman of the Hampton Redevelopment and 
Housing Authority, and as Chairman of the Hampton Roads Transportation 
District Commission.

  His expertise in transportation, an area of great importance in our 
State, was recognized when he was elected President of the Virginia 
Transit Association in 1995. In that same year, leaders from other 
Virginia localities selected Councilman Spencer to be a member of the 
Executive Committee of the Virginia Municipal League and President of 
the League's Transportation Policy Committee.
  Councilman Spencer's service to his State has not caused him to 
neglect his community. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the 
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Hampton Roads, and he has served on the 
Board of Trustees of both Messiah Baptist Church and First Baptist 
Church, Hampton.
  As he prepares to step down from the City Council, I have no doubt 
that Councilman Spencer will remain active in the community.
  Whether it's through his membership in Kiwanis International or the 
Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., I expect to see 
Councilman Spencer continuing to play a role in local and State civic 
affairs. I once again congratulate Councilman Spencer on his 20 years 
of service to the citizens of Hampton, the Commonwealth of Virginia and 
the United States of America.

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