[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 150 (Tuesday, August 25, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE OF MAYOR MICHAEL COPELAND OF OLATHE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SHARICE DAVIDS

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 25, 2020

  Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I 
rise to honor the life and service of Mayor Michael Copeland, who 
passed away on August 19, 2020. Mayor Copeland was a devoted father and 
husband, who is survived by his wife Maria, and children Olivia, 
Abigail and Joshua.
  Mayor Copeland began his career in public service in 1993, when he 
was elected as Ward 4 Councilmember in Olathe. He went on to be elected 
mayor in 2001, an office he held until his passing. As Olathe's 
longest-serving mayor, he was a wonderful champion for his beloved 
community. During his tenure, he guided Olathe through a time of 
unprecedented growth and pioneered several programs to improve the 
city. One of these initiatives, a children's literacy program called 
``I Read with Mayor Mike,'' reached thousands of kids in Olathe and was 
recognized by First Lady Laura Bush, who visited Olathe in 2008 to 
celebrate the program.
  Not only did Mayor Copeland dedicate his life to public service, he 
also devoted his time to charity work. He created the Olathe Mayor's 
Christmas Tree Fund, which raised more than $1.5 million for children's 
charities since 2007. He received numerous accolades, including the 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award given by the Olathe Branch of the 
NAACP, the Olathe Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year Award, and 
the Daily Points of Light Award.
  Mayor Copeland leaves behind a legacy that has touched the lives of 
many in the Olathe community. During his 20 years of service, he added 
18 parks and 29 miles of trails, opened the new Olathe Community Center 
and new Indian Creek Library, and completed the Santa Fe railroad grade 
separation--among many other notable accomplishments.
  Personally, I will miss Mayor Copeland's wise counsel. I very much 
enjoyed each one of our many conversations since I took office. He was 
always generous with his time and knowledge, willing and eager to 
represent the people of Olathe.
  Madam Speaker, I offer my deepest condolences to Mayor Copeland's 
family and friends, and all of those who will miss his kindness and 
leadership.

                          ____________________