[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12272]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF WALTER PARKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2007

  Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and recognize 
Walter Parker an outstanding Georgian and statesman. Walter has long 
been recognized by the citizens of Tybee Island and Chatham County for 
the vital role that he has played in community leadership and his deep 
personal commitment to the welfare of the residents of Tybee Island.
  This outstanding public servant loyally served as Mayor of Tybee 
Island for 16 years and contributed enormously to the beautification 
and preservation of the island and to the refurbishment of the island's 
endangered beaches. As demonstration of his commitment to Tybee Island, 
Walter Parker was actively involved in many beach revitalization 
programs affecting the area and he also appointed the first Tybee 
Beautification Commission. Walter served as a leading advocate for 
state-wide support for the rebuilding of the Tybee Island Pier and 
Pavilion and initiated a massive cleanup and repair project dedicated 
to Tybee's municipal buildings. His tireless efforts resulted in a new 
spirit of community in preparation for Tybee's 1987 Centennial.
  Walter's commitment to the residents of Tybee Island is further 
demonstrated by his service on and involvement with many local, state, 
and national associations, boards and committees affecting the 
development of the city, including the Savannah Area Chamber of 
Commerce and Governor's Comprehensive Plan for Georgia's Coasts.
  As Mayor of Tybee Island he demanded excellence in public service 
from the city's vital service agencies. Walter's hard work and 
visionary spirit provided a framework upon which future generations 
could build and helped to preserve a strategic area of the State of 
Georgia for all to enjoy.
  It has been my pleasure working with Walter for many years for the 
betterment of our common constituency and for all those who know and 
love Tybee. Throughout our friendship, Walter has proven to be an 
efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated public servant to his 
community and the citizens of this state. I extend to him my most 
sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness.

                          ____________________