[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         MAYOR OLIVE STEPHENS--A LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2011

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a very special 
citizen of the 26th District of Texas, Olive Stephens. Mrs. Stephens 
has enjoyed a long life of public service with 10 years as Councilwoman 
and 38 years as the Mayor of Shady Shores whose population is about 
2,700. At 94 years of age, Mayor Stephens says it's time to pass the 
torch.
  Olive Stephens has made a remarkable impact on the town during her 
reign of service. She was there to support the incorporation of Shady 
Shores in 1960. This prevented it's absorption from surrounding cities 
and since then, five separate city landmarks bear her name including a 
street, the city council chambers, and an elementary school. For many 
years, in an effort to keep from increasing taxes for citizens, 
fundraisers were held to help fund the fire department, road 
maintenance, and the general fund. Ceramics sales, fish frys, bar-b-
ques, chili suppers, and yard sales are all examples of how Mayor 
Stephens led her citizens in ingenuity and resourcefulness.
  Olive was known for her tenacity and has left us with many memorable 
quotes, but I think one of her more recent in regard to her stepping 
down is a relevant one, ``Well, I've left you without any debt and 
money in the bank, so let's see if we can keep it that way.'' Her 
longevity and integrity are not in short supply as she will continue 
participation in the community she helped build. She is truly an 
inspirational community leader. I thank Mayor Stephens for her lifelong 
commitment to service. I am proud to represent her in Congress.

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