[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 21]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31256]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                 HONORING OF MAYOR-ELECT JENNIE STULTZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SUE WILKINS MYRICK

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Mayor-elect Jennie 
Stultz as she prepares to become the first female mayor of Gastonia, 
North Carolina, in its 122-year history. Her candidacy galvanized 
middle-aged women and young moms who, local studies indicated, felt 
disenfranchised in the last municipal elections.
  Her campaign to improve the image of the city, which once was chosen 
as an All American City, resounded with her fellow citizens. I applaud 
her efforts to promote the City of Gastonia as the friendly, 
progressive and All American City that she and I know it to be.
  Jennie Stultz has dedicated 20 years of her life as a community 
activist and volunteer. She served as Administrator of Gastonia Clean 
City, then as Community Relations Director from 1982 to 1997.
  She gave of her time and services on numerous civic boards, including 
the House of Mercy, which assists those with terminal illnesses; the 
Governor's Council for Children and Youth; and has just completed a 
term as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Gaston Literacy 
Council, Inc.
  Her father, Elmore Thomas, who was stationed overseas during World 
War II, wrote in a letter dated July 23, 1944: ``When I get back, I 
might run for mayor of Gastonia. At least, all the boys in the unit say 
I should.''
  I commend Jennie Stultz for carrying on that tradition of service to 
community and nation for which her father fought and for realizing a 
long, unfulfilled family dream.
  My fellow colleagues, I ask that you join me in saluting a woman who 
exemplifies the spirit of optimism for the future and the pride of 
community that prevails in this land. May her tenure bring continued 
prosperity and pride to the people of Gastonia, North Carolina.

                          ____________________