[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24689]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING JIM WITT, CITY MANAGER OF COPPELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2008

  Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Jim Witt, who is 
retiring after fifteen years of service as City Manager of Coppell, 
Texas. His dedication to the community proves that citizens can truly 
make a difference in the lives of others, and I am proud to honor such 
a distinguished leader.
  Mr. Witt has played an indispensable role in the development of 
Coppell during his tenure. In his fifteen years of service, Coppell has 
increased its size by 19,000 residents, the City staff increased from 
178 to 365, and the City budget grew from roughly $15 million to 
approximately $81 million.
  Mr. Witt oversaw tremendous economic growth in Coppell. Many of the 
buildings in Coppell that stand as cornerstones of the community were 
only possible through the efforts of Mr. Witt. To name just a few of 
the buildings he has played an instrumental role with: the Justice 
Center, three Fire Stations, a Fire Administration building, a Service 
Center, the William T. Cozby Public Library, an Aquatics and Recreation 
Center, a Municipal Cemetery, Wagon Wheel Park, Andy Brown East and 
Central, MacArthur Park, over six miles of trails, Town Center Plaza, 
and the Community/Senior Center.
  With Mr. Witt's leadership, he helped create several community-based 
initiatives such as Farmers Market, community gardens and the half-cent 
sales tax for schools.
  On behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I would like to thank Mr. 
Witt for his tireless service to Coppell. Mr. Witt's successes have 
been many, and it is an honor for me to recognize him for his nearly 
two decades of contributions to the people of Coppell. I ask all my 
colleagues to join me in wishing Jim Witt continued success in his 
future.

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