[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 19]
[House]
[Page 26411]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO POLK COUNTY NATIVE

  (Mr. PUTNAM asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man of 
honor and a dear friend, a man who touched so many lives and dedicated 
himself to making Polk County, Florida, a better place.
  Charles Richardson rose from humble beginnings in Polk County and 
helped to integrate what is now Bartow High School. He began his 
political career on the Winter Haven City Commission, and rose to be, 
as a Republican, the first African American ever to serve on the Polk 
County commission.
  He was described as a family man and a jovial leader, with a keen 
intellect and an extraordinary wit and wisdom. He was also known as a 
strong role model for young people, who encouraged them to get an 
education and to go to college and achieve the American Dream. He is 
survived by his wife, Karen; two daughters, Ericka and Janine; and two 
sons, Charles, Jr., and Elden.
  Mr. Speaker, even after being diagnosed with pancreatic and liver 
cancer, Charles Richardson continued to perform his county commission 
duties right up to the night he passed. Charles Richardson blessed our 
community through his hard work and generous nature, and our thoughts 
and prayers are with his family.

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