[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 18, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1031-E1032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF ED KIRKWOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE KELLY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2018

  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one 
of my constituents from Butler, Pennsylvania, Mr. Ed Kirkwood. This 
Friday, July 20th, Ed will be retiring following over 34 years of 
commendable public service.
  Ed has proudly served as the Butler Township Manager for the last 10 
years. In this role, Ed oversaw the day-to-day operations of

[[Page E1032]]

Butler Township while spearheading various projects and serving as the 
administrative officer of the township. Prior to this position, Ed 
spent over 18 years managing the City of Lower Burrell--Where he made a 
positive and lasting impact that can still be felt today.
  Throughout his tenure, Ed has displayed an admirable work ethic and a 
sincere desire to make a difference. His stewardship of Butler Township 
has resulted not only in continued prosperity of its businesses and 
residents, but also transformed the overall professional environment. 
Local officials have a direct impact on residents through a number of 
capacities, which Ed realized and cherished. Regardless of the 
situation or circumstances, Ed always remained resilient and kept the 
township on the right path--Focusing on the best interests of the 
people he felt privileged to represent.
  Though he made a career for himself in public service, Ed still 
managed to give back to his community as a volunteer. He has 
participated on a number of boards and served as a member of numerous 
committees, continuously striving to make a difference and better the 
lives of others. Ed participated in the committees that were formed to 
rewrite and modernize both the First and Third Class Township Codes, 
which eventually granted cities legal authority to operate in an 
efficient manner.
  In addition, Ed was the Director of the ``U-Comp Board'' which was 
developed to assist municipalities and authorities across the state 
with unemployment solutions and assistance. Ed served on the Little 
League Board of Directors for nearly 20 years and volunteered as a 
mentor for individuals who committed first time offenses.
  Ed's decades of service prove him to be a leader in every sense of 
the word. I am grateful to represent such a service-minded individual 
who has been both honorable and effective. Under his management, Butler 
Township has flourished while residents and business have been 
enriched.
  Ed is the epitome of a devoted public servant and his strong 
leadership has provided a solid vision for Butler Township. His unique 
people skills, thoughtfulness and integrity have resulted in many years 
of professional and invaluable service for which he will be remembered.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Ed Kirkwood for his lifelong 
dedication to public service and for all of the work he has done to 
better the community. Furthermore, I ask that my colleagues in the 
United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Ed on 
his well-earned retirement and wishing him the best of luck in his 
future endeavors.

                          ____________________