[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 25, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S4501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO JOHN MANCHESTER

 Mrs. CAPITO. Madam President, today I wish to recognize a 
friend and fellow public servant of the great State of West Virginia, 
John Manchester, as Friday marks his retirement from 16 years of 
service as the mayor of Lewisburg, WV. Under John's leadership, the 
city of Lewisburg has endured tough times, yet still flourishes as one 
of the cultural epicenters for our State, nestled deep in the rolling 
hills of Appalachia and the mighty Greenbrier River.
  Although Mayor Manchester is not a native West Virginian, the love 
for this State has rooted itself deep within him. After graduating from 
Brown University, he packed his bags for Morgantown, WV, and became a 
Mountaineer as he accepted a research assistantship with West Virginia 
University. However, it wasn't until 1982 that these country roads 
called John and his wife Connie home to the Greenbrier River Valley, 
when they settled in the small town of Renick, WV.
  John and his family began to grow into the fabric of the small town 
with only 200 residents. First, they started their own sawmill and 
entered the timber business. The harsh West Virginia winter forced John 
to reconsider his line of work, and he took a job as an editor with a 
newspaper, the Mountaineer Messenger. From there, John's desire to give 
back to the community that had given so much to him and his family took 
over, and he accepted the vacated mayor position in Renick. It would be 
this experience with local government that would inspire John to run 
for mayor of Lewisburg when his family moved in 2003.
  Sixteen years later, Mayor Manchester still calls Lewisburg the best 
small town in West Virginia. I truly believe in John's vision and 
dedication for Lewisburg and can personally attest to how special of a 
place that this town is. One can sense a deep communal bond in this 
locale, which is a direct result of the strong character of its people 
and the examples set by its leadership.
  Leadership begins and ends with service. Mayor Manchester is someone 
who exemplifies service, not only by his words, but by how he lives his 
life every day. Three years ago, Greenbrier County experienced an 
historic flood, and while Lewisburg experienced its share of high 
water, it was spared the widespread devastation that hit the nearby 
towns of White Sulphur Springs and Rainelle. Once Lewisburg was safe 
and sound, the residents, under the leadership of John Manchester, 
pulled together and took care of their neighbors throughout the 
Greenbrier Valley. I appreciate and commend the leadership Mayor 
Manchester showed during that difficult time and throughout his tenure 
as mayor.
  Mayor Manchester has many accomplishments over the past 16 years of 
service as the mayor of Lewisburg. On a personal note, I would like to 
thank John for his kindness to my staff and me during our many 
interactions over the years. The people of Lewisburg are very fortunate 
John Manchester chose to live in West Virginia and serve its residents 
through his constant devotion, truly making this State and his city a 
better place to live. I wish him well in his retirement. It is truly an 
honor to call you friend and fellow West Virginian.

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