[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19720]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO STATE REPRESENTATIVE NELSON R. STARKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2005

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Alabama State 
Representative Nelson R. Starkey. Representative Starkey has 
represented the City of Florence in the Alabama State Legislature since 
1978. He plans to retire from public service at the conclusion of his 
current legislative term in 2006.
  I consider it a privilege to have worked with Representative Starkey 
on a wide variety of issues facing Northwest Alabama. He has done a 
great deal to help further the quality of life for all individuals in 
our community. He is most well known for his strong advocacy for 
increased Alabama school funding.
  During his many years of service in the State House, Representative 
Starkey was elected by his peers to numerous legislative leadership 
positions. For eight years, he was the Chairman of the House Democratic 
Caucus and the Joint Highway Committee. He also served as Chairman of 
the Local Government Committee for four years and Chairman of the State 
Administration Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, Representative Starkey is well respected throughout our 
local community and the entire State of Alabama. In 1993, he was chosen 
by the Montgomery Advertiser to receive the Meritorious Public Service 
Award. This honor was based on his reputation for integrity, 
effectiveness, vision, trustworthiness, commitment and diligence.
  Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday August 23rd, the North Alabama community 
gathered to honor and celebrate all of Representative Starkey's 
achievements. I rise today, to join in their celebration and to thank 
Representative Starkey for his many years of dedicated service.

                          ____________________