[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 41 (Thursday, March 17, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1821-S1822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        TRIBUTE TO TOM COURTNEY

 Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, today I join my colleague Senator 
Jim Risch as well as our colleague from the U.S. House of 
Representatives, Congressman Mike Simpson, to recognize and pay tribute 
to the exceptional leadership and dedication of a great Idaho public 
servant, Mr. Tom Courtney, city manager of Twin Falls, ID. Tom has 
served the citizens of Twin Falls with distinction for almost 34 years. 
Initially hired as assistant city manager in 1977, he was promoted to 
city manager in 1980 where he continues to serve until his upcoming 
retirement on March 31, 2011. During Tom's tenure, the city saw 
tremendous growth and expansion as it transited from a predominantly 
agriculture-based economy to a manufacturing-based economy. Foreseeing 
these changes, Tom was instrumental in restructuring city government 
roles and functions to better serve the individual and the greater good 
of the community. Originally from California, Tom received his master's 
and bachelor degree from Utah State University and briefly worked for 
the city of Tracey, CA, and Stockton, CA, before coming to Idaho.
  Tom's management and leadership style closely reflects the motto of 
the city of Twin Falls: ``People serving People.'' Tom has proven his 
leadership through his philosophy and actions. As a 40-year member of 
the International City/County Managers Association he has mentored many 
young leaders. Tom embodies the philosophy of servant leadership: Truly 
effective leaders go one step further and focus on service to those in 
their own organization, ensuring they are prepared, confident and 
empowered to reach their goals. These leaders create caring communities 
characterized by collaboration, trust and teamwork. Through his 
leadership, the city of Twin Falls has been managed with fiscal 
responsibility and an unwavering sense of ethics and integrity.
  Tom's commitment to the city should not be overshadowed by his love 
and dedication to his wife Mary and three children, Mike, Amy and Ryan, 
and six grandchildren, Mathew, Courtney, Hailey, Jack, Nathan and 
Quinn. While very much engaged in his family's lives and activities, 
Tom's retirement will give Mary and him more opportunities to be full-
time grandparents.
  It is hard to live in Idaho for so many years and not develop a 
passion for its beauty and outdoors. True to his commitment to enjoy 
life to its fullest extent, Tom is an avid backpacker and fisherman. We 
hope he is planning on many more days of hiking in the Sawtooth 
Mountains and fishing for steelhead in the Salmon River. Besides a 
dedicated outdoor enthusiast, Tom is a devoted runner who has completed 
numerous marathons in Idaho and

[[Page S1822]]

throughout the West. His dedication to running provided the opportunity 
to achieve a personal highlight, serving as a torch bearer for the 2002 
Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games.
  It is with great pride and admiration that I, Senator Risch, and 
Congressman Simpson thank Tom Courtney for his unselfish service and 
dedication to the city of Twin Falls and the great State of Idaho. We 
wish him a happy and productive retirement.

                          ____________________