[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 198 (Monday, December 17, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7652-S7653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DAVID FIELDS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, it is my honor to pay tribute to my 
friend, David Fields, who is the Butler County judge-executive from my 
home State of Kentucky. Earlier this year, David announced that his 
time in public service would come to a close soon, ending more than a 
decade of leadership and success for those who put their trust in him.
  After a successful career owning a body shop with his wife, Virginia, 
David chose to dedicate himself to the service of his community. First 
elected in 2006, David quickly got to work leading the county. As a 
former judge-executive myself, I know firsthand just how many 
responsibilities land on your plate, and David accomplished a great 
deal along the way.
  In particular, David has been a wonderful ally to me here in the 
Senate in our work for this region. The Green River, which flows 
through Butler County, brings the potential for transportation and 
commerce. I had the opportunity to work closely with David

[[Page S7653]]

during our effort to transfer the ownership of the Rochester from the 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE, to the local community. The dam, 
which is more man 175 years old and provides a vital water supply to 
nearly 50,000 Kentuckians, had fallen into disrepair and its uncertain 
status with the USACE threatened Butler County's economic future. With 
David's advocacy, I inserted a provision in a recent water 
infrastructure bill transferring control of the dam to the local 
community.
  Last year, I also proudly supported the Rochester Dam Regional Water 
Commission's application for an economic development grant to renovate 
the dam and secure its future for the area. With a $3 million 
investment, local leaders like David can continue to help this region 
grow and benefit Kentuckians for years to come.
  Although I am sorry to see him go, I wish David a wonderful 
retirement. I am told he looks forward to spending more time with 
Virginia, his son, Greg, and two granddaughters. I would like to thank 
David for his leadership of Butler County and for his dedicated service 
to its citizens. I urge my Senate colleagues to join me in 
congratulating David on this remarkable milestone.

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