[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BOB MITCHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 30, 2012

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
my loyal district administrator, Bob Mitchell, in honor of his 
retirement after dedicating more than 32 years as my right-hand-man, my 
confidant, political adviser and tireless ambassador for southern and 
eastern Kentucky.
  Bob Mitchell is arguably one of the greatest political advisers in 
the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He understands the power 
of partnerships, regionalization and communication, yet never 
underestimates the importance of gratitude and humility.
  His father, the late Murrell Mitchell, who served as a member of the 
Knox County School Board, as well as three terms as a Knox County 
Magistrate, inspired Bob's political interests and philanthropic heart. 
It is thus his courage of conviction that has driven his work to 
transform southern and eastern Kentucky and improve the quality of life 
in our rural region.
  With Bob Mitchell at the helm of all district projects, thousands of 
families now have access to clean water and sanitation systems, are 
protected by flood-control projects and live without the fear of yearly 
floods, have better roads to travel on, and have good-paying, stable 
jobs. He also helped launch and provide guidance to non-profit 
organizations like the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development 
Corporation for job creation, Forward in the Fifth for education, The 
Center for Rural Development, TOUR Southern and Eastern Kentucky to 
promote tourism, PRIDE for environmental education and clean-ups, as 
well as Operation UNITE in fighting drug abuse.
  Countless organizations and political candidates have coveted Bob 
Mitchell's impeccable leadership skills. He has served on a litany of 
boards from financial institutions to non-profit organizations and 
assisted with campaigns from county seats to Presidential hopefuls. His 
legacy will continue to flourish from the seeds of wisdom, hope, and 
inspiration he has planted across our great Commonwealth.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring my friend and 
my partner, Bob Mitchell, on his retirement. My wife, Cynthia and I 
wish Bob and his wife, Nancy all the best in the years to come.

                          ____________________