[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2107-E2108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE JOHN J. ``JACK'' RODGERS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
outstanding citizen of Columbus, GA, who has distinguished himself as a 
dedicated and exemplary public servant. The Hon. John J. ``Jack'' 
Rodgers at age 64 is retiring from the Columbus Consolidated Government 
after 24 years as a member of the Columbus Council. He served 8 of 
those years as mayor pro tem, having been unanimously elected to that 
position by his fellow councilors for four consecutive 2-year terms.
  Mr. Rodgers, who was born in Pittsburgh, PA, has lived in Columbus 
since 1961. He was inducted into the United States Army in 1961 and 
served honorably for 2 years. Shortly after his honorable discharge in 
1963, he married the former Barbara Riddle who has given him constant 
love and support in parenting two children, through whom Jack and 
Barbara have four grandchildren. Mr. Rodgers not only adopted Columbus, 
GA, as home for himself and his family, but also accepted leadership 
roles in business and government. He earned a B.S. at Columbus State 
University in 1973.
  Jack Rodgers had a distinguished 21-year career with Ford. He then 
launched his own mortgage company and has been chair and CEO for 15 
years. His successful participation in the business community provided 
an excellent background for his work at Chattahoochee Valley Community 
College in Phenix City, AL, where he taught business and economics for 
7 years.
  During his service on the Columbus Council, Mr. Rodgers was selected 
for four 1-year terms as Budget Review Committee chairman. He also 
served as the council's Ethics Committee chairman, and had a major role 
in developing revisions to the city's tax law by chairing the council's 
Occupational Tax Committee. Among the many notable and worthy projects 
to which he has contributed vital energy and leadership was the 
placement of the ``Eternal Flame'' memorial in front of the Columbus 
Government Center, a project for which he and then-Councilor Bobby 
Peters led fundraising efforts in the private sector. His wisdom and 
counsel, especially in financial matters, are frequently sought by 
other councilors and by citizens in his council district, as well as 
throughout the city.
  Jack Rodgers is known as a devout Christian, a longtime member and 
leader in Edgewood Baptist Church of Columbus. He has often been called 
upon for invocations and other prayers in council meetings and on other 
public occasions.
  His civic and social affiliations, which bespeak his dedication to 
service, include: the Rotary Club of Columbus; the Columbus Georgia 
Convention & Trade Center Board, of which he formerly served as vice-
chairman; the Valley Rescue Mission, of which he is a former board 
member; president of the Heritage Educational Foundation; board member 
of the Columbus Technical College Foundation; and board member of the 
There is HOPE Foundation. His leadership qualities also have made him 
valuable to governmental associations: the Georgia Municipal 
Association; the

[[Page E2108]]

National League of Cities; and the Georgia Municipal Association/
Association County Commissioners of Georgia.
  Today, as Jack Rodgers moves into retirement from government service, 
we honor him and thank him for all he has done for the benefit of 
Columbus, GA--as an elected official and as a private citizen dedicated 
to the good of others. His exemplary service to his community has set a 
standard of dedication and leadership that has inspired many and will 
inspire many others.

                          ____________________