[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MAYOR JOHN REDNOUR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM L. ENYART

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 6, 2013

  Mr. ENYART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me 
in recognizing the dedicated community service of Du Quoin, Illinois 
Mayor John Rednour as he retires after 24 years as mayor.
  John Rednour grew up in Cutler, Illinois and began working as an 
ironworker. He worked on projects throughout the State, from Southern 
Illinois, to the St. Louis area and Chicago. It was during this phase 
of his career that John founded Rednour Steel Erectors, a company with 
which he maintains a partnership to this day.
  John moved with his family to Du Quoin in the early 1970s and, in the 
1980s he began a successful banking career when he led a group of 
investors that assumed control of the Du Quoin State Bank. John 
continues to serve as chairman of the bank.
  While John was raising a family and embarking on successful careers, 
he also showed an early interest in public service. He served six years 
as a Perry County Commissioner, from 1967 to 1973, and was elected to 
the Trico School District Board of Education while in his 20s. John was 
elected mayor of the City of Du Quoin in 1989 and will officiate at his 
last City Council meeting next Monday, February 11.
  In his 24 years as Mayor, John Rednour has left an indelible mark on 
Southern Illinois. He has been able to lead as well as compromise and 
he is justifiably proud of the infrastructure improvements that have 
occurred during his tenure as mayor, most notably the Highway 51, 
Poplar Street overpass, an industrial park and water and sewer 
improvement projects. All of these infrastructure improvements were 
completed while maintaining balanced municipal budgets. In evaluating 
potential projects, John's simple criterion was always, ``Is it good 
for Du Quoin?''
  John Rednour's community contributions were not limited to his 
successful business ventures and service as mayor. John also serves as 
Chairman of the Illinois State Police Merit Board and is a commissioner 
of the Perry County Housing Authority. He has been active in politics 
his entire adult life, having served as a member of the Democratic 
National Committee for nearly 40 years.
  John and his wife, Wanda, have been married for over 60 years and are 
proud parents, grandparents and great grandparents.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of 
appreciation to Mayor John Rednour in recognition of his years of 
service as a community leader and to wish him and his family the very 
best in the future.

                          ____________________