[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 33 (Monday, February 22, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S760-S761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO STEVE GILMORE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, for nearly 50 years, Steve Gilmore has 
been making his mark on the city of Ashland. As an educator, a parks 
commissioner, and finally as a mayor, his contributions to northeastern 
Kentucky have shaped a legacy anyone could be proud of. Today, I would 
like to recognize this incredible public servant and wish him well as 
he begins a richly deserved retirement.
  Steve got his start in public service at 29 as a member of the local 
parks board. In the following years, he led the renewal of Ashland's 
public spaces, pushed for the repainting of its iconic bridges, and 
helped champion a major renovation of the riverfront. In 1978,

[[Page S761]]

Steve made his first run for the city commission. Time and again, the 
people of Ashland put their trust in him. In 2002, Steve became the 
city's mayor. He made history soon after as the first Ashland mayoral 
candidate ever to run unopposed.
  I would like to mention one of Steve's accomplishments in particular. 
Over the years, Ashland has taken tremendous advantage of its geography 
and scenic beauty on the banks of the Ohio River. I had the opportunity 
to work with Steve about a decade ago to revitalize downtown Ashland 
and to make a dramatic investment into its river heritage. With more 
than $10 million in Federal funding I brought to the project, Steve and 
his team created an impressive new venue right on the water. Now, the 
Veterans Riverfront Park is a center for recreation and entertainment 
across the region. I am especially proud of their decision to dedicate 
the park to the men and women who sacrificed to protect our country.
  Steve ended his first stretch as mayor with remarkable success. Then, 
he took on a new challenge as superintendent of Ashland Schools. He 
accepted the responsibility to keep making a difference for his city 
not just today, but for years into the future. Thousands of students 
and graduates continue to benefit from his leadership.
  When it came time to close the book on his career as an educator, 
Steve knew he had more to give to his beloved city. In 2016, he was 
reelected to the mayor's office. With a team of city commissioners and 
devoted public servants, Steve began once again steering the community 
toward growth. He continued renovating the face of Ashland and making 
it a destination for visitors and employers.
  Steve plans for a retirement filled with spending more time with his 
family doing the things they love. Perhaps he will take a few more 
trips down to the river along the newly dedicated ``Steve Gilmore 
Way.'' He has certainly earned it. On behalf of the Senate, I would 
like to express my thanks to Steve for his decades of service and 
leadership in Kentucky.

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