[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 13, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING CARSON ROSS ON HIS RETIREMENT AS BLUE SPRING'S MAYOR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 13, 2024

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, it is with a deep sense of gratitude that I 
rise today to honor the lifelong public service career of Mr. Carson 
Ross, who has served as the mayor of the city of Blue Springs since 
2008. Mr. Ross will be retiring as the first African American Mayor of 
Blue Springs, Missouri. Mr. Ross's dedication to public service is 
truly exemplary.
  Before he began his distinguished career, Mr. Ross was a graduate of 
Bradley County High School, attended the University of Arkansas--Pline 
Bluff, and later received a Bachelor of Science in Business 
Administration from Rockhurst University in 1977. He began his career 
as a public servant in 1981, when he was elected to the Blue Springs 
Board of Aldermen where he served Districts 2 and 3 for eight 
consecutive years as Alderman and one year as Mayor Pro Tem. To further 
grow his expertise and leadership skills, he went on to serve on the 
Legislative Branch of the State of Missouri and was elected to the 
Missouri House of Representatives to represent the 55th District. Under 
this capacity, Mr. Ross served for a total of 14 years in Missouri's 
House of Representatives and as a testament of his abilities as a 
leader, served as the Republican Whip in 1991 through 1992.
  As a result of his work ethic and dedication to serving his 
community, Mr. Ross was recognized as one of Kansas City's most 
influential African Americans by the Kansas City Globe in 1995 and 
1996. Furthermore, his influence and impact did not go unnoticed when 
he received the Outstanding Legislator Award in 1996 by the Missouri 
Federation Grand Order of Pachyderms and the 1997 state award by the 
Kansas City Globe as the Most Influential African American.
  Beyond his role as a legislator, Mr Ross worked with Hallmark Cards 
after having an illustrious career of 39 years with the company, where 
he held various positions. Additionally, he has served the city of Blue 
Springs in various capacities outside of Mayor through his 
participation on various boards including as Chairman of the Blue 
Springs Personnel Board, President of St. Mary's Medical Center Board 
of Associates, a founding member of Summit Bank of Kansas City Board of 
Trustees, among many more.
  As Mayor of Blue Springs for sixteen years, Mr. Ross focused on ways 
that he could better his community and his selfless spirit of service 
is displayed throughout his career. His historical achievement of 
becoming the city's first Black Mayor serves as an image of resiliency 
and determination to break through barriers and lay the groundwork for 
future leaders. As children look towards future careers and 
occupations, they will know that they too are capable of being Mayor 
and a public servant, even if that means being the first to do so.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Mr. 
Ross for his tremendous accomplishments, his commitment, and tireless 
community service. His immense impact will continue through the 
multitude of lives he has impacted. On behalf of Missouri's Fifth 
Congressional District, I wish Mr. Ross great joy and relaxation in 
retirement as Mayor.

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