[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 13567-13568]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING HURRICANE, WV MAYOR F. RAYMOND PEAK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2007

  Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, today, I have the distinct privilege to 
recognize a man of remarkable vision and unyielding commitment to the 
community of Hurricane, WV.
  Mr. Peak is a native of Dakota, WV, where he began his career of 
public service in the school patrol. His family relocated to Putnam 
County in 1948.
  In 1951, Mr. Peak was elected to his first public position in 
Hurricane as city recorder, which he held for 4 years. The job carne 
right after graduation from Morris Harvey College, now the University 
of Charleston.
  In 1957, Mr. Peak ran for the office of mayor pledging to build a 
city Hall. He accomplished that promise in two construction phases with 
no long-term indebtedness to the citizens.
  Mr. Peak served in the West Virginia House of Delegates from 1973 to 
1977. In his desire to see small towns and cities grow, he was 
instrumental in the organization of the West Virginia Municipal League 
and served as president and he was a charter board member of

[[Page 13568]]

the Regional Intergovernmental Council, serving twice as Chairman.
  Peak has been a mentor to young people in the Hurricane community for 
several generations, as a math and business teacher, band instructor 
and girl's basketball coach at Hurricane High School. He was always 
available to read aloud in the elementary schools and to attend 
extracurricular events to recognize students.
  Serving the community as mayor of Hurricane for 40 years, recently 
Mr. Peak has brought about a new $1.8 million municipal complex, a 
$10.6 million upgrade to the regional wastewater treatment facility, 
and water improvements to a system that has received the 2006 Drinking 
Silver Award.
  Perhaps Mr. Peak's greatest accomplishment is his bond he 
unwaveringly nourishes with his family. Mayor Peak and his wife, 
Gloria, are enjoying a marriage of 52 years. They are blessed with 
three children, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
  Through the leadership of Mayor F. Raymond Peak, the city of 
Hurricane has experienced growth and prosperity. His good works have 
been enjoyed by generations past and will continue to benefit 
generations to corne.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me and the community in expressing 
our thanks and to honor Mr. Peak's accomplishments and commitment to 
public service. His commendable service serves as an attribute which we 
should all strive to emulate as we attempt to make the world a better 
place. As he leaves the mayor's office, we extend our best wishes for 
joy and happiness in the months and years ahead.

                          ____________________