[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3233-S3234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO LARRY ARFT

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I wish to recognize and salute Larry 
Arft, the city manager for Beloit, WI, on the occasion of his 
retirement. It has been my pleasure to work closely with Larry since he 
started in this role in 2003. Throughout that time, he has been a 
tireless and effective leader of the community. He has been a model 
public servant, and his talent and passion will be missed by all who 
have worked with him.
  A Missouri native, Larry served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. 
Following his military service, he graduated magna cum laude from the 
University of Missouri--St. Louis. It was there that his interest in 
local government was sparked by an internship with a St. Louis-area 
municipality. Since then, Larry has served with distinction in multiple 
communities in three States for more than 40 years.
  As Beloit city manager, Larry Arft has been the driving force behind 
extensive economic development. During his tenure, Beloit has 
experienced strong and sustained revitalization of its downtown, in the 
Gateway Business Park, and along its riverfront. He has always been an 
enthusiastic partner with the business community, and Larry proved that 
Beloit was--and continues to be--a good place to do business. He also 
engaged other government leaders in the area, around the State, and in 
the Federal Government. He set an example of how things should be done 
and how people could come together to address challenges.
  I had the privilege of working closely with him in efforts to secure 
Federal funding for the construction and improvement of local roads and 
bridges, allowing for safer and more rapid transport and economic 
development. In addition, I had the pleasure of working with him as he 
led efforts to create good jobs and attract visitors to the area 
through the development of a Beloit casino.
  Larry's work extended well beyond the city limits. He actively 
engaged other communities in the region and

[[Page S3234]]

served as the president of the Wisconsin League of Municipalities, 
advocating for issues important to cities and villages.
  I am grateful for Larry Arft's contributions to the people of Beloit 
and to the people of Wisconsin, and I thank him for his service. I know 
his presence and personal commitment will be missed. I wish him and his 
wife Karen all the best in the years ahead.

                          ____________________