[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 108 (Wednesday, July 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF ROBERT F. LARK AS THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE 
                    MERCER COUNTY DEMOCRAT COMMITTEE

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                           HON. JASON ALTMIRE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 21, 2010

  Mr. ALTMIRE. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Robert F. 
Lark on the occasion of his retirement as Chairperson of the Mercer 
County Democrat Committee. Bob served faithfully as Chair since 1988. 
His 22 years at the post makes him the longest serving Chairperson in 
the Committee's history.
  Bob comes from a family of committed public servants and knows the 
value of giving back to his community. His grandfather served as a 
Precinct Committeeman in the 1930s and 1940s and his mother was also a 
Precinct Committeewoman in the 1950s and 1960s.
  During his time as Chairperson, Bob helped encourage the formation of 
the Democrat Women and Young Democrats organizations in Mercer County 
and was enormously successful in registering voters across western 
Pennsylvania.
  A lifelong Democrat, Bob worked for fairness in elections and voting 
and was not afraid to make his voice heard if he felt that an 
individual of either party was engaging in misconduct. His dedication 
to being a responsible citizen was evident in his service to the Mercer 
County Democrat Committee and to Pennsylvania.
  Bob's commitment to his country extended beyond his service as 
chairperson, however. As a teacher for 40 years, Bob prepared future 
generations for life beyond the classroom. His work with students 
through the years is equally commendable.
  Bob believed that one must be judged not by the promises a person 
makes, but by the promises a person keeps. Madam Speaker, Bob Lark was 
a man who kept his promises to his fellow Democrats in Mercer County 
and I am pleased to honor him for his efforts.

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