[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 80 (Monday, June 1, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5904-S5905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO HARRY M. HALLMAN, JR.

 Mr. GRAHAM. Madam President, today I ask the Senate to join me 
in recognizing Mayor Harry M. Hallman, Jr., on the occasion of his 
retirement as mayor of Mount Pleasant, SC. Mayor Hallman is a dedicated 
public servant and his work has earned our gratitude and appreciation.
  It was with much personal and professional sadness that he recently 
announced he would have to relinquish his position as the mayor of one 
of South Carolina's largest municipalities as he continues his personal 
battle with Alzheimer's.

[[Page S5905]]

  In an address to the residents of Mount Pleasant, the mayor made 
clear this was a difficult decision. He could have stayed in office and 
carried on. But Mayor Hallman felt he could no longer meet the high 
standard he had set for himself of being ``effective.''
  As Mayor Hallman said in his resignation, ``To me, being `effective' 
means `excellence'. I realize now that I am not meeting my personal 
definition of `effective.' This Town deserves only the best from its 
leadership. Half way will not do for my Town.''
  His resignation was the mark of a true public servant willing to put 
the interests of the town he loves above his own personal interests.
  Mayor Hallman has compiled a long and distinguished career of service 
in public office and private life.
  After being elected to the office of mayor in September of 2000, 
Mayor Hallman spent nearly two terms in office growing his town and 
improving its assets. He will be remembered as a mayor who instituted 
infrastructure projects that helped change the face of Mount Pleasant. 
After only 3 years under his service, the town saw over $150 million 
worth of road improvements and city development. Additionally, he 
helped secure Federal and State moneys for a newly debuted farmer's 
market venue and a waterfront park for public use.
  During his time as mayor of Mount Pleasant, Mr. Hallman chaired the 
Police, Legal and Judicial Committee and the Transportation Committee. 
He also served on the Water Supply Committee and as an ex-officio 
member of the Mount Pleasant Waterworks Commission, the Patriots Point 
Authority, and the Charleston Aviation Authority.
  In 1988, Mayor Hallman was elected to serve in the South Carolina 
House of Representatives. While in office, he chaired the Charleston 
County Legislative Delegation as well as the State House Committee, 
which was responsible for overseeing the $78 million renovation of the 
South Carolina State House. He also offered his skills on the Joint 
Bond Review Committee, and the State Development Board.
  Born and raised in South Carolina, Mayor Hallman took great pride in 
seeing his State develop from corner to corner. As the son of a retired 
oil executive and a stock market investor in Greenwood, SC, he grew up 
to appreciate all that the State has to offer. He was a 1958 graduate 
of the University of South Carolina, where he finished with a degree in 
business administration. Years later he was awarded an honorary doctor 
of humanity letters degree from the University of Charleston.
  As a distinguished member of the State community, Mayor Hallman was 
often asked to participate in the development of multiple health and 
educational improvements and expansions. He served on the University 
Study Committee as their chairman, as well as the Low Country Graduate 
Advisory Board. Mayor Hallman chaired the South Carolina Department of 
Health and Environmental Control and served as treasurer for Charleston 
Memorial Hospital. His dedication to all aspects of life in South 
Carolina was broad in scope and great in impact.
  A devoted citizen, Mayor Hallman formally retired on May 20, 2009, as 
a revered member of the Mount Pleasant and South Carolina community. 
His leadership and his commitment to our State will be forever marked 
by his extraordinary vision and endless sacrifice. Throughout his 
entire career and to this day, Mayor Hallman has served as a model to 
those around him.
  Along with his wife Shirley ``Brooke'' Hallman, who has stood next to 
him with unwavering loyalty and shared sacrifice, he celebrates his 
retirement with his three children and six grandchildren. I thank him 
for his service and wish him the very best in his retirement.
  I ask that the Senate join me in honoring him for his lifelong career 
of service and also send along our best wishes to him and his family as 
he continues his battle.

                          ____________________