[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 28, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                        Tribute to Peggy J. Dunn

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, thank you for the opportunity to address my 
colleagues here on the Senate floor today.
  I come here with a smile on my face because the individuals I want to 
recognize today are friends, and they are wonderful people who have 
made a difference in the lives of many of their fellow citizens back 
home in Kansas.
  I want to recognize a lifelong Kansan who has served her family, her 
community, and her State. Peggy Dunn has been serving the city of 
Leawood as mayor since 1997 and has cultivated a flourishing and 
beautiful community. In January, Mayor Dunn's last term will come to an 
end. Her dedication to the city of Leawood will not be forgotten, and 
she will be greatly missed.
  Peggy J. Dunn was born in greater Kansas City and has been serving 
the city of Leawood for 31 years. Prior to being mayor, she was a city 
council member for 4 years until she was sworn in as mayor in 1997.
  Mayor Dunn has played a critical role in the growth of Leawood, and 
during her years in office, many, many notable developments have been 
made. Shopping centers such as Park Place and Town Center, Mission 
Farms and Prairiefire have brought immense expansion and success to the 
area. Buildings like the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection 
reveal the architectural beauties of the city. These developments were 
deliberately planned and came to fruition with guidance from Mayor 
Dunn.
  Mayor Dunn has dedicated her life to creating a lasting community by 
forming relationships with Leawood's business leaders, volunteer 
organizations, religious communities, and residents, working together 
for the city's success.
  I have seen her meet people and I know when I meet her--every time 
there is a conversation, you know that she cares about you. She 
listens, and she cares that way for the people of her city and the 
people of the State of Kansas.
  Through Mayor Dunn's work, new fire stations, police headquarters, 
and courts protect the community. Beautiful parks, golf courses, and 
recreational centers provide opportunities for residents and visitors 
alike to enjoy what the city has to offer. Mayor Dunn is a servant 
leader. She is an innovator, and she is totally dedicated to her 
community.
  Leawood, the city, has close relationships with sister cities. In 
2003, Mayor Dunn and Mayor Peter Weiss of the Gezer region in Israel 
signed a resolution in agreement to become sister cities. Since then, 
Mayor Dunn has hosted delegations from abroad and traveled to Israel 
multiple times. Additionally, Leawood dedicated the I-Lan Park to its 
sister city in Taiwan. The park is home to a lovely Taiwanese garden, 
an open play space, and a piece of art called Cloud Gate.
  Through Mayor Dunn's leadership, Leawood has a very bright future 
ahead.
  Mayor Dunn's family has played a key role in her success as a leader. 
She has 4 children with her husband Terry and 14 grandchildren. I 
guess, needless to say, Mayor Dunn has plenty to keep her busy as she 
retires as mayor.
  Thank you to her family for supporting Peggy during her tenure.
  I congratulate Peggy on her retirement and wish her the very best in 
the future.
  Thank you, Mayor, for all you have done for the city of Leawood, its 
citizens, and all you have done for the State of Kansas.