[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO MAYOR CHARLES LONG, BOONEVILLE, KENTUCKY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2009

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
one of the Bluegrass State's most impressive politicians and the 
longest serving Mayor in the great Commonwealth of Kentucky, Mayor of 
Booneville, Mr. Charles Long.
  Since being elected to the office of Mayor 50 years ago, Mayor Long 
has set a high standard for public service and politics in Booneville. 
As a politician, Mayor Long has accomplished a rare political success 
by having never been contested in an election. The people of 
Booneville, Kentucky have stood behind Mayor Long and threw their 
support behind him for 50 consecutive years.
  Understanding his legacy of public service provides insight to his 
longstanding political success. Mayor Long serves the county seat of 
the third poorest county in the United States but despite the obstacles 
created by poverty, Mayor Long has brought an insurmountable measure of 
hope to Owsley County through city water and sewer projects. One 
hundred percent of the city of Booneville is served by city water, as 
well as 98 percent of the county. Upon completion of an ongoing sewer 
project, half of Owsley County will also have sewer service.
  Mayor Long understands the necessities of the constituents he 
represents. Everyday modern privileges, like water and sewer, that are 
so often taken for granted, are a desired commodity for people in the 
most rural parts of our Nation. Through hard work and determination 
Mayor Long has been able to meet the needs of Booneville and bring city 
water and sewer to an area of the country that had waited a long time 
for this benefit.
  In addition to his success in public service, Mayor Long is also 
celebrating 70 years of marriage to his lovely wife, Ruth. They have 
raised two children and their family continues to grow with 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mayor Long is an honest and 
caring family man whose work ethic is unmatched--in 50 years he still 
hasn't missed a day in City Hall.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a dedicated 
public servant in my home state of Kentucky, Booneville Mayor Charles 
Long. We should all strive to be as dedicated to the people we serve, 
as Mayor Long has been for more than five decades. I congratulate Mayor 
Long on his tenure in office, his 70th wedding anniversary and wish him 
all the best in the years to come.

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