[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   RECOGNIZING MANITOWOC MAYOR KEVIN CRAWFORD ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 
                     RETIREMENT FROM PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS E. PETRI

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2009

  Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to offer my congratulations to 
the Honorable Kevin Crawford, the longest continually-serving mayor in 
the history of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. First elected in 1989, Mayor 
Crawford is stepping down this month to pursue another career path.
  Mayor Crawford's energetic and creative leadership over twenty years 
has helped provide the spark fueling a business and manufacturing 
revival in Manitowoc that has made the city one of Wisconsin's biggest 
economic success stories of recent years. His focus on job creation, 
pursuit of public-private partnerships and instinct for opportunity 
helped the city capitalize on its already diverse manufacturing base, 
skilled labor force and unique attributes as a Lake Michigan port city 
with a proud history as a World War II maritime industry leader.
  Over the years, I have worked with Kevin Crawford on many issues of 
importance to Manitowoc and have come to know him as a tireless and 
passionate advocate for the city. It's clear to me that his optimism 
and hard work have not only offered an impetus for progress and growth 
in the city, but have contributed to the momentum to sustain it.
  Last year The Wall Street Journal ran a feature story highlighting 
the manufacturing and exporting successes of the city and its rebound 
after the closing of its second-largest employer in 2003. Mayor 
Crawford has called manufacturing a ``core pillar of our economy,'' and 
has seen to it that local government takes an active role in developing 
what he terms ``new economy manufacturing,'' including new technology 
and jobs.
  Indeed, in the current global recession, hits to the Manitowoc 
economy have been buffered by the presence of promising new energy-
related companies that have taken root there in recent years.
  During his tenure, Mayor Crawford negotiated the revival of car ferry 
passenger service between Manitowoc and Ludington, Michigan, and has 
worked to ensure its continued success. He was instrumental in bringing 
new owners and leadership to the ailing Burger Boat Company, now firmly 
positioned as a world leader in luxury yacht manufacturing.
  As commissioner of the Manitowoc Public Utilities, Mayor Crawford has 
been the dedicated chief steward of this city-owned and managed 
electric and water utility which has grown considerably over the last 
two decades and affords local citizens some of the lowest utility rates 
in the country. Considered one of the most knowledgeable local elected 
officials in the area of electric energy, he has been recognized by the 
American Public Power Association, the Municipal Electric Utilities of 
Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Water Association.
  Other achievements of the Crawford era in Manitowoc include the 
construction of a new city hall, library and public safety building, 
the development of a new Visitor Information Center, and major retail 
expansion and infrastructure improvements.
  In addition, Mayor Crawford created and has fostered an active 
sixteen-year sister-city relationship between Manitowoc and Kamagowa, 
Japan. The partnership has resulted in numerous citizen exchange visits 
over the years and is acknowledged to be one of the most vibrant 
sister-city associations in the country.
  His colleagues across Wisconsin have also recognized Mayor Crawford's 
outstanding leadership skills. He is a member of the Board of Directors 
of the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities and a Past President of the League 
of Wisconsin Municipalities as well as a member of its legislative 
committee.
  In light of his many years of commitment to the people of Manitowoc, 
Wisconsin, and his impressive record of accomplishment, I am proud to 
recognize Mayor Kevin Crawford and extend my congratulations and 
appreciation to him on his retirement from public service.

                          ____________________