[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 162 (Wednesday, October 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE TOWN OF BARNSTABLE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 24, 2007

  Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today so that my colleagues in 
the House of Representatives can join me in recognizing the Town of 
Barnstable, Massachusetts for its distinguished achievement in being 
named one of 2007's ``All-America Cities.''
  For 58 years, the National Civic League's ``All-America City'' Awards 
have been presented to localities that demonstrate an exceptional 
ability to rise to the challenges involved in building and sustaining 
safe, healthy communities. Toward this end, the Town of Barnstable 
continues to be a model for civic engagement, excelling in its efforts 
to involve the business community, nonprofit organizations, and 
citizens in developing ingenious solutions to local problems.
  While the Town of Barnstable has applied the same cooperative 
approach in tackling a wide array of challenges, three in particular 
merit its designation as one of this year's ten ``All-America Cities.'' 
Under its visionary ``economic development stimulus plan,'' the Town of 
Barnstable breathed new life into the Main Street and waterfront areas 
of downtown Hyannis. This initiative helped to promote growth in an 
environmentally and socially responsible way, while boosting the area's 
cultural richness and scenic beauty.
  Thanks to the Town's multi-pronged Affordable Housing Plan--an 
ambitious project that aims to secure 1,000 units of housing over a 10-
year period--residents making below 80 percent of the area's median 
income will have expanded opportunities to make home ownership a 
reality.
  Finally, the Town's creation of a Youth Commission has ensured the 
area's young people have a strong voice in the democratic process, 
advising the Town Council on the legislation and issues that matter 
most to Barnstable's youth and families.
  It gives me pride to see the Town of Barnstable receive national 
attention for all the hard work and dedication that I have long 
admired. As we pause to reflect on this prestigious honor, I want to 
commend all the residents of Barnstable for their collective efforts to 
make the community a better place to live and work.
  I particularly want to thank Town Manager John Klimm for his 
admirable leadership, and for seeing through the initiatives that have 
made Barnstable an ``All-America City.'' Congratulations on an award 
well-deserved. For today, tomorrow, and long into the future, I have 
great confidence that the Town of Barnstable will continue to serve as 
a model for communities all across the country.

                          ____________________