[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27624]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MR. RICHARD E. TOMKO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM HOLDEN

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2005

  Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Richard E. Tomko 
of St. Clair, Pennsylvania for his many years of selfless and heartfelt 
service to the residents of St. Clair Borough and the many 
contributions he has made to Schuylkill County and the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Tomko began his public life as committeeman for the West Precinct 
in St. Clair at the age of 21. Soon after, in 1970, he became the 
chairman of the St. Clair Republican Party, a position he holds to this 
day. At the age of 23, Mr. Tomko was elected to the St. Clair Borough 
Council and served 8 years, including 5 years as council president. In 
1980, Mr. Tomko resigned from the council to become borough secretary 
until he was appointed to the Police Civil Service Commission where he 
served for 3 years.
  In 1985, Richard Tomko was elected mayor of St. Clair. Mayor Tomko 
was re-elected four times, serving 20 years in the position. A high 
school government teacher, neighbor, and friend, Mr. Tomko continues to 
be a vital member of the community, also serving on my Military Academy 
Recommendation Board.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to recognize a man who has 
dedicated his entire life to the borough of St. Clair, helping hundreds 
of people in my district, including myself. I ask you and my other 
distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Richard E. 
Tomko on his many years of devoted public service and thank him for the 
many contributions he has made toward the well being of the citizens of 
St. Clair, Schuylkill County, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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