[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING LEONARD MARTIN ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE CITY OF 
                           CARROLLTON, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Leonard 
Martin, City Manager of the City of Carrollton, on his upcoming 
retirement after 15 years of outstanding service.
  Leonard Martin has worked in city management for over four decades, 
serving in six cities, across four states. He began his career as a 
management analyst in Wichita Falls, before moving on to positions in 
Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Over time, he has earned a reputation 
among his peers and council members as a leader and an innovator with a 
sincere commitment to good government.
  Leonard was appointed City Manager of Carrollton in August 2001. From 
the beginning, he fostered a culture of managed competition. Dedicated 
to improving the quality of life for residents, he worked with local 
leaders and community members to set ambitious goals and cut waste, 
challenging city departments to find more efficient ways to serve the 
people of Carrollton.
  His sustained commitment to high quality and affordable services led 
to incredible growth in the city over the past 15 years, including the 
expansion of the Dallas Area Rapid Transport system in Carrollton and 
the establishment of a multi-jurisdictional Public Safety radio system 
and regional dispatch center. These projects have had a tremendous 
impact on the lives of residents, transforming the downtown area and 
providing quicker emergency response times.
  Under Leonard's tenure, the City of Carrollton has also developed a 
state-wide reputation for government transparency. Earlier this year, 
Carrollton became the first Texas municipality to receive commendation 
from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts as part of the new 
Transparency Star program. As a direct result of Leonard's efforts to 
increase accountability and openness, Carrollton has earned 
Transparency Stars in the areas of Traditional Finances, Economic 
Development, Debt Obligations, and Public Pensions--the most of any 
municipality in the state.
  Among his many achievements, Leonard has been recognized as City 
Manager of the Year in both Oklahoma and Missouri, and in 2014 he was 
awarded the William J. Pitstick Regional Excellence Award from the 
North Central Texas Council of Governments.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize Leonard and his many years 
of exceptional service to the City of Carrollton. His leadership will 
be greatly missed. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me 
in congratulating Leonard Martin on his retirement.

                          ____________________