[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 76 (Friday, May 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN A. MARKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2016

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of John A. 
Markey for his service to the City of New Bedford and the Commonwealth 
of Massachusetts as Mayor of New Bedford. I am also proud to 
commemorate the apt naming of the city-owned plaza on Front Street in 
the city he served with such dedication.
  Jack Markey, as he is known to most, was first elected to serve the 
citizens of New Bedford as its mayor in 1971. At that time, there was a 
great need for strong leadership to preserve and restore the rich 
tapestry of this historic city. Under his eleven-year tenure over six 
terms, Mayor Markey ushered in essential investment and restoration 
projects into the Downtown New Bedford Historic District--serving as a 
critical turning point for New Bedford and for the perception and image 
of this tourist destination.
  Under Mayor Markey's leadership, the City made several forward-
thinking investments in community development, including burying 
utility lines, resurfacing streets with cobblestone, enhancing 
landscaping and restoring several historic landmarks. Before leaving 
office to become the Presiding Judge of the New Bedford District Court 
in 1982, Markey strongly advocated for the establishment of the New 
Bedford Whaling National Historic Park. It is for these reasons that he 
is deservedly recognized by having this plaza named after him.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the lifelong 
service and commitment of John A. ``Jack'' Markey to the City of New 
Bedford.

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