[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 19, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S6142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                     TRIBUTE TO JOHN R. BALLENTINE

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I wish to honor John R. 
Ballentine, who will retire as the Alma City Mayor after more than two 
decades of public service to the citizens of Arkansas in this elected 
position.
  As Alma City Mayor, John was a constant advocate for services, 
programs and improvements for Alma residents. After leading the city 
out of debt, John oversaw the construction and financing of the city's 
first waterpark. In 2000, John opened the Alma Aquatic Center, which 
has become a centerpiece of the city bringing in more than 50,000 
people annually. What started as an idea dreamed up while baling hay 
became a significant contributor to the City of Alma's economy.
  John fought hard to enhance existing public facilities and finance 
the new construction of amenities including area parks, a $4 million 
water treatment plant, an annual Independence Day fireworks show, and 
the annual Alma flying disk golf tournament which brings in over 100 
participants every November.
  John's passion for public service extends beyond his most recent 
position as Alma's longest standing mayor since 1872. In addition, John 
served on the Alma City Council for 4 years, as a member of the 
Crawford County Quorum Court for 10 years, and in the U.S. Army 
Reserves for 21 years.
  I congratulate John for his commitment to public service. We are all 
grateful for his years of service and leadership to Alma, Crawford 
County and Arkansas. John is truly a public servant. I wish him 
continued success in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________