[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO CLYDE A. THOMAS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay to pay 
tribute to an exceptional Kentuckian, Judge Clyde Thomas. After serving 
16 years as Rowan County Judge Executive, Judge Thomas is retiring and 
embarking on a new stage of life. I want to express my deepest 
gratitude for his many contributions and years of public service.
  Clyde Thomas' service in Kentucky began almost 50 years ago as a 
dispatcher for the Kentucky State Police. In 1964 he graduated from the 
Kentucky State Police Academy and 6 years later was promoted to 
Detective Sergeant after earning the highest test score in the history 
of the Kentucky State Police. Clyde Thomas was later promoted to 
Lieutenant and graduated from the FBI National Academy. Before his 
retirement in 1984, Clyde Thomas made many positive changes and 
contributions to the Kentucky State Police, including serving as the 
first president of the Kentucky State Police Professional Association.
  With this keen law enforcement background and a commitment to our 
community, Clyde Thomas was elected Rowan County Judge Executive in 
1989. During his tenure, Judge Thomas has been a strong leader for 
various job creation and community development projects transforming 
this rural county into a formidable, regional economic engine. Judge 
Thomas has championed countywide sewer and infrastructure improvements 
including the recent expansion of the Morehead Wastewater Treatment 
Facility. Through his efforts, more than 1,500 homes and businesses 
have adequate sewer. Another 100 sub-standard road bridges have been 
upgraded, and over 250 miles of roadway paved all under his careful 
watch.
  Judge Executive Thomas has kick-started several long-term growth 
initiatives including securing a new Army National Guard Readiness 
Center, expanding regional healthcare and educational facilities, and 
working with county neighbors to construct industrial development 
zones. I particularly want to acknowledge the Judge's strong backing of 
the new airport in Rowan County which will be a general aviation hub 
and important gateway to eastern Kentucky. By bringing local leaders 
together and working with the State and federally elected leadership, 
including myself. Judge Thomas has brought a first-rate, 5,500 foot, 
safe and secure airport to our region. This project will bring economic 
benefits and a robust aviation industry well into the future.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Judge Clyde Thomas for his sacrifice and 
service on behalf of the people of Rowan County, KY, and the entire 
Commonwealth. Although his days as Rowan County Judge Executive are 
drawing to a close, I know his contributions will live on for many 
years to come. I want to wish him and his family all the best for this 
new chapter in life.

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