[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10979]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING MAYOR KENO HAWKER OF THE CITY OF MESA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Keno 
Hawker, who is stepping down as Mayor of the great city of Mesa after 
eight years of extraordinary service. As a member of the Mesa City 
Council and as Mayor, Keno has been a tireless advocate for the 
residents of Mesa. Keno has taken his fiscally responsible approach to 
better the city he serves and has helped to enhance quality of life of 
the region we share.
  Mayor Hawker has served his community well since 1986 when he was 
first sworn in as a city council member. The population of Mesa has 
almost doubled since then and, through his leadership, the city has 
continued to be a high-quality place to live and raise a family. Keno 
has also served the greater community as the Chair of the Maricopa 
Association of Governments Regional Council. He also served as Vice 
Chair, National League of Cities Finance, Administration and 
Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) Steering Committee.
  Additionally, he served as Chair of the MAG Regional Council 
Transportation Subcommittee, Vice Chair and as a member of the MAG Air 
Quality Policy Committee and the Governance Task Force. Keno was also 
instrumental in building the new Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, which is 
evolving into a major job center and reliever airport for our fast-
growing region. Keno's hard work will spur economic growth and improve 
the quality of life for the people of Mesa for years to come.
  I commend the citizens of Mesa for selecting such a deserving public 
servant. As a former Mayor of Mesa's neighboring city of Tempe, I 
understand the tremendous impact that a dedicated leader, like Keno 
Hawker, can have on their community.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Keno Hawker's continued 
work and advocacy for the fine citizens of the city of Mesa and 
Arizona.

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