[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 25 (Thursday, February 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      TRIBUTE TO CHARLES E. POWERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN M. SPRATT, JR.

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2008

  Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mayor Charles E. 
Powers, the former mayor of Fort Mill, SC, a town I have the honor of 
representing. I call his service to the attention of the House because 
his long years in office are a model for local government.
  Charles Powers served as mayor of Fort Mill for 24 years, and before 
that, as a member of the city council. During all these years, he 
worked and raised a family, but the City claimed his devotion. As 
mayor, he was totally committed. Fort Mill came first.
  While serving as mayor, Charles Powers oversaw his small town as it 
grew and grew in the backwash of Charlotte, NC. He made sure that Fort 
Mill got its share of the growth, yet never lost its hometown quality, 
its hospitality and friendship. He helped Fort Mill remain a special 
place, and not become a bedroom suburb of Charlotte. He had the vision 
to see the need for a new city hall, for a local library, for a 
visitors' center on Main Street, and for numerous other projects. Under 
his leadership, things got done. Fort Mill flourished as an all-
American town.
  In his latest race for re-election, Charles Powers did not have the 
good fortune of winning, but he took defeat with the grace and goodwill 
that always marked his years in office.
  Just a few days ago, Charles Powers, in his well worn role as 
ambassador of good will, opened the door of a local convenience store, 
and spoke kindly to the stranger going out. Before he realized that the 
man had just robbed the store, the stranger turned his pistol on 
Charles Powers and shot him. Fortunately, Charles Powers survived the 
assault, and is out and about Fort Mill again.
  Local elected officials like Charles Powers deal with problems that 
nettle people most, from potholes to public schools. Leaders like him 
solve those problems and make our democracy work and our communities 
livable. When they step down after years of service, they deserve our 
recognition and respect.

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