[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMENDING MAYOR GARY MANIER FOR 24 YEARS OF SERVICE TO CENTRAL 
                                ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2025

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor and congratulate Gary 
Manier for his 24 years of service as the Mayor of Washington, 
Illinois.
  Mayor Manier is a proud Washington native and graduated from 
Washington Community High School in 1972. Gary attended Illinois 
Central College and, upon graduation, started what would eventually 
become a 42-year career at Caterpillar, Inc. until his retirement in 
2015.
  Before becoming Mayor of Washington, his career of public service 
began on the Washington Community High School Board, where he served as 
both Vice President and President. In April of 2001, Manier was first 
elected as Mayor of Washington in a competitive election with four 
other candidates.
  Throughout his decades long tenure as Mayor, Gary accomplished many 
projects on behalf of the city of Washington. These include, but are 
not limited to, the opening of the Five Points Community Center, a new 
Washington City Hall and police station, implementation of incentives 
to attract business investments in Washington, improvement of local 
streets and major roads, and an upgrade of the city's sewer system to 
accommodate the growth of the community.
  One of the most pivotal times of Mayor Manier's tenure came after the 
historic and devastating EF-4 tornado on November 17, 2013. Tragically, 
the city of Washington suffered loss of life, approximately $1 billion 
in property damage to more than 1,100 homes, and the priceless loss of 
cherished personal belongings. I know many in Washington hold Mayor 
Manier in high esteem for his strong, critical leadership during that 
extremely challenging time for the community.
  Mayor Manier has earned numerous accolades including the President's 
Servant Leader Award from Eureka College, being named Washingtonian of 
the Year in 2014, and being elected twice as the Second Vice President 
of the Illinois Municipal League.
  Undoubtably, Mayor Manier's leadership will leave a lasting impact on 
the city of Washington and Central Illinois. It is my pleasure to 
congratulate him on his retirement and wish him, his wife Lada, 
daughter Brooke, son Chase, and their seven grandchildren the best in 
the future.

                          ____________________