[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 53 (Thursday, March 24, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING CARL PIERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM EMMER

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 24, 2022

  Mr. EMMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Carl 
Pierson, a husband, father, teacher, coach, City Council member, and 
resident of Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Carl has served 
the City of Waconia for more than twenty years, enriching the lives of 
countless students and community members around him. He leads by 
example, and we are fortunate to have someone like Carl in the Sixth 
District who puts others first and demonstrates what ``Selfless 
Service'' truly means.
  Carl is a staple in the Waconia Community, teaching high school 
government for the last two decades. In addition to educating future 
generations of Minnesotans in the classroom, he is cultivating the next 
generation of student-athletes as coach of the Waconia High School 
basketball, baseball, and football teams. If that weren't enough, Carl 
is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches 
Association and author of the book ``The Politics of Coaching,'' a 
must-read for coaches looking to navigate the politics of youth sports. 
As someone who coached youth hockey for many years, I've learned some 
valuable lessons in negotiation and diplomacy while working with the 
parents of my players, but Carl literally wrote the book on it.
  In November 2020, Carl was elected to the Waconia City Council, 
representing Ward 2. This was not his first stint in public service, as 
Carl had previously served on the Waconia Park Board and the Carver 
County Sheriffs Citizen Advisory Council. Where Carl finds time to 
accomplish all these things and continue to be a loving husband to his 
wife and father to his two sons remains a mystery, however, Carl 
remains a leader and mentor for the residents and students in Waconia.
  Earlier this year, Carl was diagnosed with an aggressive form of 
cancer. While this news is never easy to receive, I have no doubt that 
he will approach this new challenge with the same optimism and 
determination be has shown time and time again on the basketball court 
and win this fight.
  I cannot thank Carl enough for his leadership and dedication to the 
residents of Waconia. Our community, our district, and our state are in 
a better place because of his work and perseverance. I thank Carl, and 
may God Bless him and his wonderful family.

                          ____________________