[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING JOE REAGAN AND JOE SWEENEY FOR THEIR PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2011

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, the promise of our great nation depends 
on each generation working to leave this country a better place than 
they found it. Men and women of great service dedicate their lives to 
the ideals of such a promise. I rise today to honor two public 
servants, Joe Reagan and Joe Sweeney, as they end their public careers 
in service to the citizens of Brentwood, Tennessee.
  All across America, small towns and large cities depend on the 
leadership, vision, and service of their local elected officials. First 
elected as City Commissioner in 1992, Joe Reagan's dedication to the 
City of Brentwood extends far beyond his official title. Reagan's 
emphasis on community development and sustained growth assisted the 
city in attaining the highest city bond rating possible, ushered her 
into the new world of internet and social media, and facilitated the 
opening of centers of great commerce for Brentwood.
  One person making a commitment to public service could truly make a 
difference. The dedicated work and service of Joe Sweeney embodies such 
a long-lasting truth. Beginning his service in 1972 to one of 
Tennessee's finest communities, Sweeney was elected to serve the three 
year old City of Brentwood. Under his 39 year watch, Brentwood grew 
from 958 households to over 40,000 residents; from a city staff of 15, 
to an expanded library of 55,000 square feet; and from 64.13 city road 
miles, to almost 1,000 acres of city parks. Serving several terms in 
city leadership positions, I am confident Joe Sweeney's fidelity to the 
City of Brentwood, as well as the higher calling to public service, is 
what helped to bring Brentwood into a position of prominence in the 
great state of Tennessee.
  Dr. Joseph Warren, one of devoted Found Fathers, encouraged the 
patriots of the young colonies to ``act worthy of yourselves.'' Mr. 
Speaker, in an age where devotion to public service is not the norm, it 
is my privilege to acknowledge two public servants who live Dr.Warren's 
call. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Joe Reagan and 
Joe Sweeney for their lasting example in devotion to the work of public 
service.

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