[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 27, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THANKING JACKSON MAYOR RICHARD LONG FOR HIS SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRADLEY BYRNE

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 27, 2016

  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mayor Richard Long of 
Jackson, Alabama.
   Since 2000, Mayor Long has led the City of Jackson. Under his 
leadership, the city has seen the quality of life increase, as well as 
economic growth.
   Mayor Long's service to his country and community started early in 
his life. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, he 
served in the United States Navy Reserves for nine years, including two 
years of active duty. In 1962, he was awarded the Cuban Blockade Medal 
for his contribution to the Cuban Naval Blockade. He has also been a 
lifelong member of VFW Post 5335.
   His service to Jackson started as early as 1979, when he joined the 
Jackson Volunteer Fire Department. He would go on to serve on the 
Jackson City Council representing District 2 (1984 to 1988) and 
District 3 (1992 to 2000).
   After being elected mayor in 2000, Mayor Long went to work to 
improve the quality of life for Jackson's residents. During his tenure, 
the city has made major investments and improvements to city 
infrastructure. Notable projects include the Jackson Police Complex, 
Municipal Court Building, public library expansion, senior citizens 
complex, water treatment plant, softball stadium, tennis complex, and 
high school athletic complex.
   Mayor Long has been an especially strong advocate for education in 
his community. As Mayor, he oversaw construction of the new Joe M. 
Gillmore Elementary School, as well as updates and improvements to 
other programs. The schools in Jackson are recognized as some of the 
best in the region, and Mayor Long has a lot to do with that.
   In 2008, Mayor Long was named ``Mayor of the Year'' by the Alabama 
Communities of Excellence Programs. This is just one of many honors and 
recognitions he has received throughout his career.
   Mr. Speaker, Mayor Richard Long will be retiring from public service 
in November. I know his leadership and dedicated service will be 
missed, but his contributions to the City of Jackson will live on for 
decades to come. On behalf of Alabama's First Congressional District, I 
want to thank Mayor Long for his service and wish him all the best in 
the future.

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