[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING MIKE ANDERSON AS FLORIDA'S MAYOR OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2007

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of Mike 
Anderson for his extraordinary contributions as mayor to the city of 
Fort Walton Beach, FL.
  On November 9, 2007, Mayor Mike Anderson was selected as the 2007 
Florida League of Cities Mayor of the Year. He was recognized for his 
``outstanding commitment and public outreach, as well as his initiative 
in developing innovative programs.''
  Mayor Anderson holds degrees from the University of Southern 
California, the University of Texas, and the University of West 
Florida. Upon graduating from USC, he joined the Air Force, which 
brought him to northwest Florida, where he retired in 1984. He worked 
with Civil Service at Eglin from 1985 to 2005 and it was during this 
stage in his career that he became active in the community.
  He served as a city councilman for 4 years, where he served on the 
Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and the 
Northwest Florida Regional TPO. In 2005, he was elected mayor of the 
city of Fort Walton Beach.
  Mayor Anderson is also known throughout the community for his 
leadership roles throughout much of northwest Florida. He is currently 
a member of the Florida League of Cities Home Rule Council, President 
of the Okaloosa County League of Cities, Government Affairs Committee 
of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Board of 
Directors of the Emerald Coast Marine Institute, the Okaloosa School 
Foundation, and many other civic organizations.
  While Mayor Anderson works diligently to improve the quality of life 
for the members of his community, he also makes time to greet airmen as 
they return from service overseas, visit area businesses to show 
gratitude for their community support, and even congratulate residents 
for their award winning lawns.
  His service does not stop there; he also focuses much of his 
attention on another passion: the youth of the community. His 
commitment to helping shape the children of Fort Walton Beach into 
well-rounded young people has inspired Mayor Anderson to introduce 
several youth programs. These include the Summer Youth at Work Program, 
the Student Award for Civic Excellence, and a Youth Committee Program. 
For his dedication to students in the Take Stock in Children 
initiative, he was presented with the Award of Excellence in 
Mentoring--Local Government Mentor of the Year in the spring of 2007 by 
the Florida Mentoring Program.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to 
honor Mayor Mike Anderson for his achievements and thank him for his 
dedicated service. His recognition by various organizations confirms 
his commitment to excellence and the continuous advancement of the city 
of Fort Walton Beach. May God continue to bless him and I wish him 
continued success in his career.

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