[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 145 (Friday, August 31, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF SANDY RUNYON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 31, 2018

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
one of Eastern Kentucky's greatest champions, my friend Sandy Runyon, 
who is retiring after 18 years of dedication as Executive Director of 
the Big Sandy Area Development District (ADD). She has been a staunch 
advocate for economic development and infrastructure enhancement in 
Kentucky's Appalachian region for many years.
  Throughout her life, Sandy has always selflessly served those around 
her, which has been overwhelmingly visible within the various positions 
she has held. Before Sandy was appointed as the Executive Director of 
the Big Sandy ADD, she was my first Field Representative in the Big 
Sandy area and an ardent campaign advisor. In fact, she helped manage 
my 1992 campaign in the Big Sandy region when the boundaries of 
Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District expanded to the state's West 
Virginia border. In a region where Republicans were few and far 
between, Sandy put her name on the line and introduced me to everyone 
she knew, and more. With several new counties joining the district, it 
proved to be the closest election of my congressional service, but I 
owe a great debt of gratitude to Sandy Runyon for that victory. After 
the election, I hired Sandy to open and run my new Pikeville office. In 
both the congressional office and the Big Sandy ADD, she has served the 
great people of Eastern Kentucky with tremendous compassion and vigor.
  She has proven to be a diligent advocate for infrastructure 
enhancement in our small, rural communities, and a trusted guide for 
local government leaders. In fact, she personally spent hours with the 
Bureau of Prisons to make the Big Sandy Penitentiary a reality in a 
region desperately in need of good paying jobs. Throughout her time as 
Executive Director, the Big Sandy region has experienced overwhelming 
economic progress and growth. She has demonstrated admirable leadership 
in trailblazing the way for new projects and partnerships that have 
tremendously benefitted the Big Sandy area.
  Sandy's love for Eastern Kentucky has been evident in her tireless 
dedication and adamant advocacy. Her service to our region has been 
nothing short of phenomenal. She is truly one in a million, and it is 
people like her who make Eastern Kentucky such an incredible place.
  I deeply appreciate Sandy's service, her leadership, her advice and 
most importantly, her loyal friendship. As she enters retirement, my 
wife, Cynthia, and I wish Sandy and her family tremendous joy and 
blessings in the years to come.

                          ____________________