[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E28]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING RALPH L. FLETCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM H. PUTNAM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 13, 2010

  Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Ralph L. 
Fletcher, the mayor of Lakeland, a city in my 12th Congressional 
District of Florida. Ralph has worked tirelessly to represent the best 
interests of the citizens of Lakeland. Moreover, as a small business 
owner, he has successfully run his Fletcher Printing Company and helped 
form the successful real estate company, Arch Inc.
  ``Buddy'' Fletcher enjoyed building one-on-one relationships with the 
citizens of Lakeland. As his deputy city manager, Tony Delgado told the 
Lakeland Ledger, Monday mornings became Buddy Time--where the mayor 
would share with him all of the complaints and suggestions he had 
gathered from residents of Lakeland over the weekend. No task was too 
small or big for Mr. Fletcher, and he was dedicated to making sure that 
the issue was addressed properly.
  Mr. Fletcher truly is Lakeland's own. He first attended Lakeland High 
School and then later pursued his education even further at Florida 
Southern College. Mr. Fletcher first served as one of Lakeland's City 
Commissioners from 1989 to 1992. He was then elected as mayor of 
Lakeland in 1993 as has served in that office ever since.
  When he first decided to run for office, his wife suggested that 
running a campaign only on economic development would not be 
sufficient. However, during his tenure as mayor he helped bring in 
Watkins Motor Lines and the headquarters of the grocery chain Publix 
downtown to add jobs in the city. Always with an eye for the long term 
benefits to Lakeland, Fletcher is remembered by his admirers for 
improved economic development, city beautification and the restoration 
of parks.
  Fletcher has been well renowned for his accessibility to residents. 
He instructed his staff to give out his cell phone number to any 
resident who wanted to reach him personally. People he has golfed with 
had several anecdotes about taking weekend calls out on the course. A 
reporter once asked him how many hours a week he dedicated to job. 
Fletcher was baffled by this question because he considered himself 
always on duty from when he woke up at 4:30 a.m. until he went to 
sleep.
  In 1998, he was recognized for his volunteer service earning the Sun 
'n Fun Chairman of the Board Award. The Sun 'n Fun organization is a 
volunteer group focused on aviation education and running the Florida 
Air Museum.
  In 2001, he earned the Jere Annis Leadership Award. These awards are 
granted to those who have graduated from the Lakeland Leadership 
Program--which has provided consistent leadership in enhancing quality 
of life and cohesion in the Lakeland community.
  Mr. Fletcher truly is a great leader in the community and his 
extensive volunteer efforts reflect that. In February of 2004 he earned 
the Distinguished Citizen of the Gulf Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts 
of America for outstanding leadership. In May of 2009, he earned the 
University of South Florida Polytechnic Distinguished Service Award for 
his contributions to USF Polytechnic and service to the community.
  Mr. Fletcher looks forward to spending his retirement with his 
devoted wife of 57 years, Weetsie.
  Lakeland City Commissioner Dean Boring had this to say of Fletcher, 
``He's been Lakeland's No. 1 cheerleader, and he'll never stop doing 
that. If you cut Buddy Fletcher, Lakeland would pour out. He lives, 
sleeps, eats and drinks Lakeland.''

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