[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 11, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E636]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO LLOYD SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 11, 2009

  Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and thank my 
Chief of Staff, Lloyd Smith, for 28 years of service to the Emerson 
family and to the Eighth Congressional District. Since 1981, Lloyd has 
served the people of Southern Missouri and the institution of Congress. 
In the political landscape of our state, he is a fixture. His name is 
inseparable from the term of service first of my late husband Bill 
Emerson in Congress from 1981 to 1996 and then, from 1996 until now.
  Lloyd has left the ranks of my staff from time to time in order to 
give others the benefit of his policy experience and political know-
how. Those lucky to enlist him have never been the worse for it.
  To my staff, Lloyd is their leader. He inspires them, rallies them, 
guides them and motivates them. He brings out the best in them, and 
though he shares in all of their successes he freely gives them all of 
the credit.
  Though he is important to many people for many reasons, to me Lloyd 
is also a great and dear friend. I have long valued Lloyd's strategic 
mind, his intellect and his insight--which truly drive our 
congressional office. Lloyd thinks in terms of big ideas, but he never 
neglects the details. This combination of brave creativity and studious 
diligence is rare, and the easy smile and gentle charm of this man from 
East Prairie, Missouri, belies the depth of his dedication to the 
office.
  And in thanking Lloyd for his years of service, I must also express 
my deepest gratitude to his wonderful wife, Marlys, and his three 
amazing children, Trista, Sam and Tiffany. They have made sacrifices, 
too, so their husband and father could work the long, stressful hours 
this job demands. They also share the credit for Lloyd's ability to 
stay positive and optimistic, week after week, year after year, decade 
after decade.
  As he moves on to new challenges, I wish Lloyd the very best of luck. 
I cannot quantify the immense debt owed to him by Missouri's Eighth 
Congressional District, by this nation, and by me for his faithful 
service. I commend him to the U.S. House of Representatives today, and 
I thank him for his friendship always.

                          ____________________