[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 156 (Thursday, December 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2057-E2058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    EXPRESSING OUR APPRECIATION FOR THE DEDICATED STAFF OF THE 8TH 
                         CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN S. TANNER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 2, 2010

  Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the citizens of 
Tennessee's 8th congressional district to express our great 
appreciation for the distinguished service of the 8th district staff.
  As you and our colleagues know, it is simply not possible to fully 
perform our duties in this body without the help of dedicated staff 
members. They are called on to work long hours helping us communicate 
with our constituents and assisting families with personal matters 
before the federal government.
  The team representing the 8th district has helped west and middle 
Tennesseans resolve an estimated 30,000 federal cases over the past 22 
years and has talked with hundreds of thousands more about their views 
on issues pending before Congress.
  There are few, if any, communities where our staff has not helped 
improve and enhance the quality of life. We have worked with state and 
local officials to secure funding for water and sewer systems; better 
school facilities; senior citizen services; assistance for farmers; 
recreation facilities; public hunting and fishing opportunities; rural 
health care; satellite Veterans Affairs centers so our rural veterans 
can see doctors closer to home; rural broadband upgrades; rural fire 
and police services; and highway, infrastructure and economic 
development projects to create thousands of jobs. The list could go on 
and on.
  We are deeply proud of this record of constituent service, which is 
only possible because of the hard work and expert skill of dedicated 
staff members who have made sacrifices to address the needs and 
concerns of our neighbors. They are leaders in our communities who 
recognize public service is an opportunity to help people and see their 
jobs as a source of pride.

[[Page E2058]]

  Three staff members working in our office now or who have recently 
retired from federal service--Judy Counce, Shirlene Mercer and Lou Anne 
White--started working for the 8th district when Betty Ann and I came 
to Congress, and we are fortunate that they remained with us.
  Six others began their service to the 8th district before that, 
working alongside my predecessor, Congressman Ed Jones. This truly 
extraordinary team includes Kathy Becker, Margaret Black Matilla and 
Betty Hardin, all of whom still work in the 8th district offices today; 
and Joe Hill, Doug Thompson and Vickie Walling, all of whom recently 
retired from federal service.
  Brad Thompson and Tom Turner are also longtime staff members who have 
given a great deal of time and energy to our district.
  Others on the 8th district team for the 111th Congress include Mary 
Kate Allen, Mary Arnold, Elizabeth Brown, Christy Bugg, Carling Dinkier 
IV, Randy Ford, Jon Merlis, Beth Ann Saracco, Debbie Shires, Marilyn 
Simpson and George Tagg Jr.
  Madam Speaker, I appreciate you and our colleagues joining me in a 
well-deserved expression of appreciation for the women and men who have 
served alongside Betty Ann and me over the past 22 years, whose 
selfless, tireless efforts on our behalf have led to meaningful 
contributions to the 8th district and our country.

                          ____________________