[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E232-E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF JIM WAGNER'S LIFE OF DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2018

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim Wagner as he 
retires from a lifetime of distinguished public service to the 
Downrivers of Michigan. This week he will retire as Trenton City 
Administrator, but his service has been long and extensive. He has 
brought our community together for years through his leadership.
  A lifelong resident of Wyandotte, Michigan, Mr. Wagner grew up with a 
passion to serve

[[Page E233]]

the community that he loves. He operated Wyandotte Sporting Goods in 
his early adult life and was known for his kind demeanor, friendliness 
and helping anyone that needs it. At age 34 in 1979, Mr. Wagner was 
approached and told that he would be a good candidate for Wyandotte 
Mayor. He served as Mayor for 8 years and later served in various 
capacities before being appointed as Trenton City Administrator in 
December 2011. In his role as Trenton City Administrator, he was 
responsible for identifying the city's top priorities and effectively 
utilizing the city's resources. He has held this role for over 6 years 
and leaves behind a legacy of passionate and successful leadership as 
he retires from this position. He has helped guide Trenton, Wyandotte 
and surrounding areas through tough economic times and challenging 
circumstances and is an important reason that the Downrivers remain 
strong.
  Mr. Wagner is known by community members throughout the region as 
someone who has a deep knowledge of the area and worked hard to create 
local partnerships to make continued improvements. One of the most 
successful projects spearheaded by Mr. Wagner was the ``Say Yes to 
Downriver'' slogan that increased the area's visibility and brought new 
families and businesses to Trenton and the surrounding cities. Other 
successes included creating the yearly business summit held by the 
Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce, helping establish 
the Downriver Community Conference, assisting residents who have lost 
their jobs, authoring a national grant to retrain workers, addressing 
serious environmental issues in both Brownfield and superfund sites and 
continuing to renovate the International Wildlife Refuge. His 
colleagues have said that there need to be more public servants like 
him and that he is leaving behind a legacy of excellence. Mr. Wagner 
looks forward to seeing the Downriver area continue to flourish in his 
retirement, and his hard work and expertise is valued and the community 
will continue to tap his wisdom in the years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jim Wagner's 
lifetime of leadership and public service. Mr. Wagner has effectively 
served the Downriver area throughout his career.

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