[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 27222]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN REDNOUR

 Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize John 
Rednour, who has recently been named the millennium ``Outstanding 
Citizen of the Year'' by the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce.
  John Rednour has been a friend of mine for over thirty years. His 
life story is a fascinating tale of humble origins, a great family, 
hard work, and success. When others might have relaxed or retired, John 
and his life's partner Wanda continue to give to others every day. 
John's record as Mayor of Du Quoin is proof positive of his commitment 
to public service.
  John Rednour has served as the Mayor of the City of Du Quoin, 
Illinois, for the past 11\1/2\ years, and his contributions to the city 
during his tenure have been outstanding. His hard work and dedication 
have had a tremendous impact on the city and its people, and it is only 
fitting that he be singled out for the City of Du Quoin Chamber of 
Commerce's highest honor.
  During his time as Mayor, John Rednour has been instrumental in 
building new public facilities, including a city hall, library, and 
police department. These are just the beginning of the list of 
accomplishments in which Mayor Rednour has played the leading role. The 
strengthening of the infrastructure through water and sewer 
improvements may be among the less glamorous projects he has 
undertaken, but they are very important to Du Quoin. Over the years 
Mayor Rednour assured the safety of the community by fully staffing the 
Du Quoin police and fire departments. Also, during his administration, 
for the first time in the history of the 150-year-old city, Du Quoin 
has secured city wide fire protection.
  John Rednour has also greatly increased the economic vitality of a 
city that is proud of its mayor. One of the ways in which he was able 
to boost its economic status was through the construction of the Du 
Quoin Industrial Park, completed with the aid of the Chamber of 
Commerce. Over the years, he has also helped to attract numerous 
businesses to the city, resulting in new jobs to the area. His actions 
have contributed to a fully staffed tourism commission that has helped 
to give Du Quoin a firm footing in the tourism industry in Southern 
Illinois. Mayor Rednour has helped Du Quoin through his ability to gain 
access to state and federal funding, which has helped the city to 
complete many of these important projects during his administration. 
His vision is transforming Du Quoin into a 21st century city.
  In closing, Mr. President, all of these achievements, and many more, 
are the fruits of the labor of John Rednour. His dedication to his job 
as Mayor and to his city have made his administration a great success. 
I applaud John Rednour for his achievements and his many successful 
efforts to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Du 
Quoin.

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