[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 156 (Friday, October 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR OF MR. WILLIAM OSBORNE'S ACHIEVEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVID SCOTT

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 23, 2015

  Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 
accomplishments of Mr. William Osborne, as he retires from a long 
career spanning both the private and public sectors. Whichever job he 
held, it was clear that Mr. Osborne always had Georgia and its citizens 
on his mind.
   Originally a journalist, Mr. Osborne graduated from the University 
of Georgia's journalism school with distinction and went on to work at 
the Atlanta Journal. After a few years, Mr. Osborne left the Journal to 
direct and help establish DeKalb County's Research-Information office. 
The office was one of the first public information offices in the 
United States of America. When the National Association of Counties 
established their own public information office, Mr. Osborne was chosen 
to be vice president by his colleagues.
   Almost concurrently, he established the City of Atlanta's public 
information office and held the position for a few months before 
setting his sights on helping to improve the education system in 
Atlanta and Conyers. As Director of Information and Community Relations 
and later of Evaluation and Dissemination of Pupil Personnel Services, 
he undertook the effort of desegregating and integrating Atlanta public 
schools in the 1960's.
   He has helped to develop and improve communities and cities 
throughout metro Atlanta as a consultant and throughout the southern 
United States as a part of the Council of State Governments. Mr. 
Osborne has advocated for citizens and the improvement of Georgia as 
well as throughout the United States.
   Mr. Osborne served as Executive Director for the Southern Governor's 
Association and maintained their Atlanta office, working with 19 
Governors and their key staff members.
   As the City Manager for Douglasville, for which he was reappointed 
24 times, Mr. Osborne saw the city triple in population size. He worked 
with three different mayors and 30 different city council members. He 
oversaw and guided the city as its budget quadrupled in size. Under Mr. 
Osborne's guidance and leadership Douglasville has continued to grow 
and prosper. He will certainly be missed by all who have had the honor 
of working with him.
   Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of Mr. Osborne 
and to commend his passion and dedication for the local government and 
citizens not only in Douglasville but throughout the State of Georgia. 
I ask my colleagues to join me in venerating this distinguished 
colleague and his service to the people of Georgia.

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