[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 130 (Tuesday, September 15, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H9537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MAYOR BILL WELCH

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
man who was an example of what was the best of what is journalism and 
politics. Mayor Bill Welch of State College, Pennsylvania, passed away 
September 4 at age 67. In 2002 Welch was named Penn State's Renaissance 
Man of the Year, and I believe that title may be one of the best 
descriptions of the man.
  After his 1964 graduation from Penn State, he became a reporter for 
the Centre Daily Times. He went on to become news editor, managing 
editor, and editor. A reporter from the newspaper quoted Welch as 
saying: ``Commit to something greater than yourself. Do not shy away 
from differences. Seek them out.'' His work at the paper reflected that 
thought.
  He went on to run for borough councilman and was elected mayor in 
1994. He wore a signature panama hat and carried humor, intelligence, 
selflessness, and goodwill to everything he tried. Welch ran unopposed 
for the Democratic nomination for mayor in this year's primary and won 
the Republican nomination through write-ins. That probably sums up his 
command of politics.
  At a time when parties are polarized, Welch was a man of the people. 
And he will be missed.

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