[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 18 (Thursday, February 2, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING VALERIE SALMONS ON 35 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE VILLAGE OF 
                                BARTLETT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER J. ROSKAM

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 2, 2017

  Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished public 
servant from the Illinois's 6th Congressional District. Valerie Salmons 
has dedicated many years to her community, including 35 years with the 
Village of Bartlett. Valerie's service is not limited to Bartlett, as 
she has made many positive impacts throughout the greater Chicago area.
   In 1982, Valerie was hired by the Village of Bartlett as their first 
full-time Village Administrator. Since then, the Village's population 
has grown three fold and is now considered home by more than 30,000 
people. The Village's growth did not stop there. Along with an 
increasing population, the Village has doubled its size from eight to 
almost sixteen square miles. She has been an asset to numerous 
presidents, managers, and board members, who have been a part of 
Bartlett Village Hall. Current Village President Kevin Wallace noted 
Valerie's leadership was ``very comforting'' saying, ``She has been a 
wonderful Village Administrator, and the proof is in the way the 
Village operates''.
   While working full time to serve her community, Valerie fostered 
economic development and broadened Bartlett's commercial tax base. She 
has helped lead the municipal staff with major changes to the downtown, 
and was a major force behind the many successful commercial projects, 
such as the Brewster Creek Business Park, Bluff City Industrial Park 
and Blue Heron Business Park. She also played an essential role in the 
development of parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and bike paths, 
while always practicing careful fiscal management.
   In addition to her work for Bartlett, Valerie was the first woman 
appointed to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board 
in 1990. Former Gov. Jim Thompson initially named Valerie, and five 
Illinois governors have reappointed her since. She was also the first 
woman elected to serve as the board's chairwoman.
   Through hard work and no small amount of perseverance, Valerie has 
helped countless people and tremendously improved her community. 
Distinguished Members, please join me in congratulating Valerie on 35 
years of service and wish her well in retirement.

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