[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13245]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE OF MAYORS ON ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2007

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Southwest 
Conference of Mayors, SCM, on its 25th anniversary. Through dedicated 
and distinguished leadership, the Mayors' Conference continues to 
foster the improvement of local government, provide services to 
citizens, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents in 
southwest Cook County.
  Since its inception in 1982, the Southwest Conference of Mayors has 
served as the regional council of governments, COG, in southwest Cook 
County. Currently, the Mayors' Conference has five standing committees, 
which focus on the areas of economic development, legislative advocacy, 
public works, transportation, and utilities. The committees strive to 
lower the costs of government, promote managerial expertise, coordinate 
experience and find solutions to problems of mutual concern, and 
develop a common voice on municipal concerns.
  Today, the Southwest Conference of Mayors encompasses 21 
municipalities that include: the village of Alsip; the village of 
Bedford Park; the city of Blue Island; the village of Bridgeview; the 
city of Burbank; the village of Chicago Ridge; the village of 
Crestwood; the village of Evergreen Park; the city of Hickory Hills; 
the city of Hometown; the village of Justice; the village of Lemont; 
the village of Merrionette Park; the village of Oak Lawn; the village 
of Orland Hills; the village of Orland Park; the city of Palos Heights; 
the city of Palos Hills; the village of Palos Park; the village of 
Willow Springs; and the village of Worth.
  Given the outstanding service and direction of the Southwest 
Conference of Mayors, I am especially privileged to acknowledge the 
founding and current SCM President, Mayor Jerry Bennett of Palos Hills; 
SCM vice president, Mayor Gene Siegel of Chicago Ridge; SCM vice 
president, Mayor Jim Sexton of Evergreen Park; and SCM treasurer, Mayor 
Bob Straz of Palos Heights. The hard work, insight, and leadership of 
these mayors ensure the future success of the Mayors' Conference and 
its positive impact on southwest Cook County.
  The contributions made by the Southwest Conference of Mayors to the 
citizens of southwest Cook County are extraordinary. Today, I am 
pleased to recognize the organization's current and past leadership, 
member villages and cities, staff members, and all those who make the 
activities of the Mayors' Conference possible. As we celebrate this 25-
year milestone, I look forward to continuing to work with SCM leaders 
to serve our communities and improve the lives of all area residents.

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