[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 46 (Thursday, March 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO GORDON KOKENGE

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. DAVID YOUNG

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2018

  Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate Gordon Kokenge of Clarinda, Iowa who recently retired 
after twenty-eight years of service to the City of Clarinda as a member 
of the City Council and as Mayor. Gordon was elected in l988 to the 
City Council and as Mayor in 2005.
  Gordon has served Clarinda with honor, dedication, and with 
determination to improve the lives of every citizen. During his tenure 
he has been a leading force in economic development in Clarinda to help 
develop new industries and help save local companies that have now 
prospered and expanded. Many citizens in Clarinda supported Gordon 
because of his insight, knowledge, commitment to the city, and his 
concern for the city's budget. He has a reputation of working for the 
good of the city. Clarinda City Manager Gary McClarnon said, ``Gordon 
has been a very good leader for the city and will be remembered as a 
great leader for the city during his time as a City Councilman and 
Mayor.''
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Gordon for taking an active 
role in his community. Gordon's commitment is not only for Clarinda but 
for all of Southwest Iowa. I am proud to represent him in the United 
States Congress and I ask that my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives join me in congratulating him for his service and 
wishing him nothing but continued success.

                          ____________________