[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 147 (Thursday, December 4, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 TRIBUTE TO FARGO MAYOR DENNIS WALAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KEVIN CRAMER

                            of north dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 4, 2014

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, the good people of Fargo, North Dakota have 
broken hearts today. Their mayor, Dennis Walaker, died suddenly this 
week, sending a wave of emotion across my entire state.
   Mayor Walaker epitomized what it means to be the people's servant, 
not because he was perfect--he certainly was not--but because he was as 
common as an uncommon politician can be.
   Denny earned the top job in the city by virtue of his service as a 
city employee famous for fighting floods. The legend was solidified as 
he defied the feds and the odds by applying his uncommon common sense 
to the 2009 record flood fight, keeping his city safe and his people in 
their homes.
   While Denny's famous flood fights put him on a big stage, it was the 
character of the man that was really under the spotlight more than his 
competence as a civil engineer.
   Denny was always where he needed to be. He wore a suit and tie when 
he had to, but was more comfortable wearing, well, more comfortable 
clothes. It's hard to describe without cliche, but Denny was loved 
because he was one of the people he represented, whoever they were.
   He was one of ``them.''
   He was always available and accountable, and expected the same of 
other public officials at every level. Denny's communication style was 
more blunt than eloquent, but always memorable and effective. While he 
didn't shy away from criticizing legislators at the state and federal 
levels--in fact he seemed to relish it--he wasn't offensive. Perhaps 
because he expected the same clarity from us as he provided to us.
   He was a good example to all of us. Not every politician could or 
even should match his personality or style; we should strive to match 
his character.
   I pray for Denny's family and our city as we mourn, but am confident 
the memories we carry will keep him close to us for a very long time.

                          ____________________