[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 196 (Wednesday, December 12, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H10111-H10112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATING MAYOR KEITH RIDDLE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Kentucky (Mr. Comer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my good friend, 
Mayor Keith Riddle of Burkesville, Kentucky, on his retirement from 
public service after 22 years.
  His years as a city council member, in addition to his years spent as 
mayor, have had a profound impact on his fellow citizens. By dedicating 
his time to taking on countless projects to improve the city and well-
being of community members, Mayor Riddle has made great strides for the 
citizens of Burkesville.
  Most notably, during Mayor Riddle's tenure, he was instrumental in 
the construction of a new water treatment plant, which produces 2 
million gallons per day of clean water for the city and surrounding 
area.
  Another massive waterline improvement project was completed under the 
watchful eye of Mayor Riddle. This project replaced nearly 100-year-old 
lines and addressed wastewater overflow to provide improved protection 
of property, rivers, and streams in the community.
  Mayor Riddle has truly dedicated his time and talents to helping 
Burkesville grow and improve. His continuous work with the water 
department, fire and police departments, and various businesses in the 
area has helped set the stage for continued success in Burkesville.
  On behalf of the First District of Kentucky, I thank Mayor Keith 
Riddle for his decades of public service and wish him continued success 
in his retirement.

                              {time}  1100


               Recognizing Philanthropy of Darren Cleary

  Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend Darren 
Cleary of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, for all the great philanthropy he 
has given to my home county of Monroe.
  Darren is the epitome of a successful businessperson who truly gives 
back to his community. Darren sponsors many activities and events 
throughout the year in Tompkinsville, including our annual July Fourth 
fireworks event at City Park.
  He has donated countless dollars to the Monroe County School system 
for, among other things, a new practice football field for the varsity 
football team, and along with his wife, Dawn, he is the reason Monroe 
County now has a swim team.
  Darren's main companies, Cleary Construction and Precision 
Engineering, together are two of the biggest private employers in 
Monroe County. Tompkinsville, Kentucky, is very fortunate to have 
Darren Cleary as its citizen.


 Congratulating Monroe County Magistrate Karen Gordon on Her Retirement

  Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Monroe County 
Magistrate Karen Gordon of my hometown of Tompkinsville in the First 
District of Kentucky on her retirement from public service.
  Since taking office in a 2011 special election to fill the unexpired 
term of her late husband, Karen has steadfastly served her fellow 
Monroe Countians over the years and has continually sought 
opportunities to improve the lives of those around her. Her service as 
Monroe County's Fourth District magistrate, and a crucial member of the 
Heart of Tompkinsville board, has spurred economic opportunity and 
instilled a stronger sense of community pride in her fellow residents.
  I join with her daughters, Ann Marie and Amber Lee, as well as her 
extended family, friends, and all those who have benefited from her 
efforts, to recognize her distinguished record of public service and 
dedication to serving others.


                   Recognizing Service of Alonzo Ford

  Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my friend Alonzo 
Ford from my hometown in Monroe County, Kentucky, specifically 
Gamaliel, Kentucky.
  For nearly three decades, Alonzo's fellow citizens have reelected him 
to serve as the First District magistrate in Monroe County. This 
district includes Gamaliel and Fountain Run. He is widely respected as 
a public servant, and his leadership on several boards, including the 
farmers market board and the wellness center board, are a testament to 
his outstanding record of

[[Page H10112]]

diligent public service in all facets of life.
  I am deeply thankful for his friendship, and I admire his tireless, 
lifelong devotion to working for the benefit of others. I join with his 
family and friends, as well as those he has impacted during his career, 
to express our dedication and gratitude for his contributions to our 
hometown.

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