[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13754]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         TRIBUTE TO CHUCK KURTZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2001

  Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to your attention the 
outstanding career of Chuck Kurtz, who on July 20th concludes a 
distinguished 33-year career with The Olathe Daily News, which serves 
my congressional district. Chuck started with The Daily News as a 
photographer, and later moved to sports writer, sports editor, features 
editor, seniors editor, and concluded his career as managing editor.
  At a retirement party that will be held at The Daily News' office on 
this Friday, the following letter will be presented to Chuck on my 
behalf; I am pleased to have this opportunity to share this 
correspondence with my colleagues:

       Dear Chuck, I want to add my voice to the chorus of those 
     who are praising you on the occasion of your ``retirement.''
       I'm using the term ``retirement'' loosely, because I think 
     we all know that though you may enjoy a few weeks of fishing 
     or travel, you will soon return to making a positive impact 
     upon the lives of those around you--just as you have done for 
     so many years at The Daily News.
       I have enjoyed working with you over the years, first as 
     Johnson County District Attorney, and now as a Member of 
     Congress. Needless to say, we have often found ourselves on 
     opposite sides of the issues. You wouldn't be the Chuck Kurtz 
     I know if we would have agreed on everything!
       But no matter the issue or whether or not we agreed, you 
     always understood that there were at least two sides to every 
     story, and that there may be good reasons for individuals to 
     believe and act as they do. I have seen this not only in your 
     writing, but also in your factions--you listen, ask 
     questions, provide different points of view, and have always 
     given me an opportunity to make my case. I appreciate the 
     fact that, if you disagree, you do so in a reasonable and 
     civil way, and do your best to reflect every side of the 
     issue for the benefit of your readers.
       You have not only brought a sense of civility to your 
     profession, but you have also brought something of which 
     those in my line of work are often in need--common sense. 
     This is why I will miss you most, and why I think the readers 
     of The Daily News will, also.
       Common sense says you shouldn't forget why you do what you 
     do, and you never have. One can tell you are a journalist 
     because you want the public to have the facts they need to 
     make good decisions about their collective future, both 
     locally and nationally. There is honor in this, and I know 
     from first-hand experience that you have had great--and 
     altogether positive--influence on the direction our community 
     has taken. Thank you for your service.
       Again, congratulations on your ``retirement,'' and I am 
     looking forward to running into you again soon.
           Very truly yours,
                                                     Dennis Moore,
                                               Member of Congress.

     

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