[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 37 (Friday, March 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MAYOR TED JENNINGS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 11, 2011

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the remarkable 
example and service of a true leader in South Alabama, someone who has 
taken the roles of successful businessman, trusted medical adviser, and 
local and national civic leader for more than 30 years.
  In 2012, Mayor Ted Jennings of Brewton, Alabama, will end nearly a 
quarter century of service as his town's chief executive.
  For many, this accomplishment alone would be the epitome of a life's 
work. And, indeed, Mayor Jennings has confidently guided his community 
for four terms.
  But Ted's body of accomplishments does not begin nor end with holding 
public office.
  A graduate of Auburn University's School of Pharmacy, a successful 
business owner and Director of Pharmacy at D.W. McMillan Memorial 
Hospital, Mayor Jennings has also made an indelible mark through his 
compassion and devotion to the well-being of his community. And his 
contributions don't stop there.
  While Ted Jennings may be known to the people of Brewton as their 
long-time mayor and trusted pharmacist, to his colleagues in Alabama 
and across America, he is an indispensible resource of wisdom and 
experience.
  A former member of the board of the National League of Cities, Mayor 
Jennings has held about every post one can within that important 
national organization, tirelessly defending the principles of good 
government at forums around the country. In Alabama, Mayor Jennings has 
also led his peers as president and long-time officer in the Alabama 
League of Municipalities where he has been a strong, steady voice for 
issues vital to local and state economic development.
  A man gifted with a vision for our nation's--and region's--economic 
future, Mayor Jennings has for decades promoted the development of 
telecommunications on the local and state level, leveraging the 
resources of businesses and universities.
  A supporter of both electronic and paved highways, Mayor Jennings 
also helped establish the Florida-Alabama Strategic Task Force to 
improve transportation between the two states to enhance both public 
safety and economic growth.
  I have had the pleasure of working with Mayor Jennings for more than 
two decades and I can say, without hesitation, that his devotion to 
public service is without equal. I was fortunate to be a co-chair on 
the Alabama Rural Action Committee with Mayor Jennings, and I believe 
there is a no more passionate and informed voice for rural economic 
development than his.
  As Mayor Jennings steps off the stage from a remarkable civic career, 
I know he will continue to have a positive impact on his community and 
state. To his family and close friends who have shared Ted with us for 
all these years, we offer our heartfelt thanks. And to the Mayor, 
himself, I am privileged to speak for all of South Alabama in offering 
our heartfelt thanks to a true servant leader, a real partner for 
progress and a man who leaves behind a legacy of goodness as well as 
success.
  Thanks, Mayor Jennings, for a job well done.

                          ____________________