[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E472-E473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING ARTHUR A. ANSELENE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2017

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arthur A. 
``Art'' Anselene on the occasion of his retirement as Town Manager of 
the Town of Herndon. For 41 years, Art has dedicated his life to the 
service of his community and the residents of Herndon. In 1976, he 
assumed the position of Director of the Department of Parks and 
Recreation for the Town of Herndon, a position in which he would serve 
for 31 years, and in 2007 he was appointed Town Manager.
   His tenure as Director of Parks and Recreation was marked by the 
creation of many new events in the Town. These included, among others, 
the inaugural Herndon Festival, the Labor Day Festival, the July 4th 
celebration, the Turkey Trot, Holiday Arts and Craft Show, and the 
always popular summer concert series. In addition, Art worked with the 
Mayor and the Town Council on a number of public works projects 
including the Herndon Community Center, Chestnut Grove Cemetery, the 
Downtown Master Plan, and the Herndon Metrorail Station Area Plan.
   Under his leadership, the Parks and Recreation Department became one 
of only 66 elite parks agencies in the country and the fourth in 
Virginia to receive national agency accreditation. He oversaw the 
development of a comprehensive parks and recreation system for the town 
which included a dozen parks, the Herndon Centennial Golf Course, an 
indoor tennis center, and the flagship Herndon Community Center. As 
Town Manager for Herndon, Art has had oversight responsibility for all 
town operations including Community Development, Finance, Human 
Resources, Parks and Recreation, Police, Public Works, Golf, Cemetery, 
Communications and Economic Development, IT, and the Town Clerk.
   His efforts have resulted in the Town of Herndon receiving numerous 
local, state and

[[Page E473]]

national awards and recognitions including a fourth Gold Medal Award 
for Excellence from the National Recreation and Park Association, the 
Virginia Municipal League's Achievement Award, and two Green Government 
Certifications to both the Department of Parks and Recreation and the 
Town of Herndon Police Department. In addition, the Town received the 
Government Finance Officers Association of both the United States and 
Canada's Award for Excellence in recognition of his commitment to 
fiscal responsibility and his work in maintaining the Town's AAA bond 
rating.
   While one might think that this level of dedication and commitment 
would be enough for one individual, Art's involvement in his community 
also extends to his activities outside of his profession. He is a 
member of the Herndon Rotary and Lions Clubs, the National Recreation 
and Parks Association Commission on Accreditation, and the Virginia 
Local Government Management Association, to name a few.
   Mr. Speaker, I have often said that public service is among the most 
noble of callings. The tireless dedication of individuals like Art are 
selfless acts that are truly worthy of our highest praise. I commend 
him for his service to our community and ask my colleagues to join me 
in wishing him great success in all his future endeavors.

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