[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6587]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MAYOR GAYLON WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2007

  Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mayor 
Gaylon Watson on his 16 years of noble service to the city of Piedmont, 
MO. As the mayor of Piedmont, Mayor Watson brought passion, hard work 
and innovative ideas to his job. Because of Mayor Watson's leadership, 
Piedmont continues to be a wonderful place in which to live, work and 
raise a family.
  Mayor Watson possesses a deep sense of community and true desire to 
improve the lives of his fellow citizens. During his tenure, Mayor 
Watson brought more investment to the community than any other time in 
Piedmont's history--investments necessary to create jobs, improve 
infrastructure and foster the preservation of the area's natural 
resources. I have worked personally with Mayor Watson, and can attest 
to the fact that his dedication and steadfast leadership are 
responsible for making these investments possible.
  Rural communities like Piedmont represent the best of our country, 
and they require constant and aggressive advocacy to keep that way of 
life alive. Mayor Watson has played a crucial role in advancing 
community interests while expanding economic opportunity for the 
Americans fortunate to live in southern Missouri. His successes have 
been closely observed and duplicated throughout our region, and Mayor 
Watson is a tremendous role model for those among the younger 
generation in Piedmont considering a career in public service.
  Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Mayor Watson for his 
many achievements and the enduring impact he has made on his community, 
State and Nation. I ask that you join me, along with Mayor Watson's 
family and friends, in wishing him a wonderful and productive 
retirement.

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