[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 155 (Friday, October 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2625-E2626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATING IVAN ``IKE'' ACKERMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE L. BRALEY

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 23, 2009

  Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ivan 
``Ike'' Ackerman on his retirement as Mayor of the city of Waverly. At 
the end of the year, Ike Ackerman will be retiring after serving 12 
years as Mayor.
  Over the past 12 years, Mayor Ackerman has been a proven leader in 
moving the city of Waverly forward and bringing the community together. 
With Mayor Ackerman's command, the city of Waverly has seen successes 
from economic development to upgrading the city's wellness 
opportunities.
  Waverly is one of northeast Iowa's fastest growing communities with a 
highly diversified economic base. Mayor Ackerman has focused on 
bringing new life to old Waverly through downtown revitalization, 
economic development and new recreational facilities.
  During Mayor Ackerman's tenure the city of Waverly experienced the 
worst flooding the city had seen in decades. In June of 2008, the Cedar 
River reached a record high and 25 percent of the community was 
impacted by the dangerous waters. The city suffered millions of dollars 
in damages. With Mayor Ackerman's leadership the city is rebuilding, 
putting in place future mitigation plans, and revitalizing the 
community one day at a time.
  With Mayor Ackerman's retirement we are losing years of institutional 
knowledge and a champion for the needs of Waverly residents. I am proud 
to represent Mayor Ackerman and the city of Waverly in Congress. I wish 
him the best in all his endeavors.

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