[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 870]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                 HONORING MS. ELIZABETH (BETH) S. RUYLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2000

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Elizabeth (Beth) 
S. Ruyle for her 21 years of service and dedication as executive 
director for the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association 
(SSMMA).
  Ms. Ruyle became the executive director of South Suburban Mayors and 
Managers in June 1978. South Suburban Mayors and Managers is a council 
of government which includes 38 municipalities in South Suburban Cook 
and Eastern Will Counties. Through Beth's hard work, many of the 
communities' goals have been realized. These goals include the 
development of regional planning programs in transportation, solid 
waste, flood management, and housing. Twenty municipalities now have an 
intergovernmental self insurance pool for property and casualty. Twelve 
municipalities can now boast they have an intergovernmental self 
insurance pool for employee benefits. All thirty-eight municipalities 
can now rely on fire, police, and public works mutual aid agreements in 
times of emergency. Under the direction of Ms. Ruyle, the SSMMA was one 
of the first entities to establish a multimunicipal bond bank which now 
has $50 million in assets.
  Before coming to work at the SSMMA, Beth and her husband, Craig 
Hullinger, lived in Atlanta, GA where she had the position of 
governmental relations coordinator for the Atlanta Regional Commission. 
Beth completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida 
in 1968. In 1975, She received her M.P.A. graduate degree from the 
University of Georgia.
  Beth has won several Urban Innovations awards during her career such 
as an award for Employee Assistance Program, an award for South 
Suburban Drug Enforcement Program, and a reward for Cost Savings/
Revenue Enhancement. In January 1996, Beth was listed in ``Crain's 
Chicago Business'' as one of the ``100 Most Influential Women In 
Chicago''.
  Beth Ruyle's commitment and impact on her community is not only 
deserving of congressional recognition, but should serve as a model for 
others to follow.
  At a time when our Nation's leaders are asking the people of this 
country to make serving their community a core value of citizenship, 
honoring Beth Ruyle is both timely and appropriate.
  I urge this body to identify and recognize others in their 
congressional districts whose actions have so greatly benefitted and 
enlightened America's communities.

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