[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 211 (Friday, January 3, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF J.P. WILES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 3, 2020

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the memory of one of my closest friends and advisors, the late J.P. 
Wiles. He lived a life of service, first as a member of the U.S. Armed 
Forces, and later as a Pulaski County Magistrate and two-term Mayor of 
Somerset.
  J.P. was a fiscally conservative leader who made a conscious effort 
to protect and promote the future success of Somerset and Pulaski 
County. He was adamant about transforming the Monticello Street 
intersection at South Main to improve traffic flow in and out of our 
beautiful downtown area, and I was proud to partner with him to build a 
bridge for our hometown. Another notable project that he worked 
diligently on, was the SomerSplash Water Park to give local families 
and young people a safe and fun place to spend time together. Those 
projects, coupled with his tireless efforts to expand low-income 
housing and reliable sewer service, serve as testaments of his passion 
and drive to make Somerset a better place to live and visit for years 
to follow.
  In addition to our shared work on community projects, J.P. was by my 
side on the earliest campaign trails. He remained a loyal friend 
through every challenge and every victory. What set J.P. apart among 
leaders was his cheerful and encouraging spirit. He would often drop by 
for a visit with a bright smile, simply to share a friendly hello and 
dream of future projects, or to plan our next round of golf.
  J.P. was a pillar of our community, beloved and respected by 
countless friends and colleagues. My wife, Cynthia, and I extend our 
heartfelt condolences to the entire Wiles family and his extended 
circle of friends.

                          ____________________