[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 487-488]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   ST. PETERSBURG MAYOR RICK BAKER NAMED ONE OF NATION'S OUTSTANDING 
                            PUBLIC OFFICIALS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2009

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to St. 
Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker who last November was named one of 
Governing magazine's eight public officials of the year.
  Now beginning his 8th year as mayor, Rick has brought insurmountable 
energy and passion to serving the people of St. Petersburg and 
revitalizing the entire community. His catch phrase is, ``Another great 
day in St. Petersburg,'' and under his leadership, every day has become 
another great day for our community.
  As the only mayor honored this year, the magazine dubbed Mayor Baker 
as ``Mr. Inclusive'' for his work to revitalize the city's economy, 
improve its parks system, and improve the city's schools.
  This is one of many honors Rick's hard work and commitment to public 
service have earned him and the city. Just last September, General 
Colin Powell's America's Promise Alliance named St. Petersburg one of 
our Nation's 100 Best Communities for Young People.

[[Page 488]]

  During ceremonies September 22 at Union Station, the organization 
cited St. Petersburg for its effort to improve its schools by forming 
corporate sponsorships. In particular, it said, ``St. Petersburg has a 
strong backbone--the mayor--who, since 2003, has increased corporate 
partners for its schools from nine to nearly 80.''
  It was Rick Baker whose vision led to the establishment of the 
Mayor's Mentors & More program 6 years ago. With the support of the 
Pinellas Education Foundation, which funded a city staff position to 
lead mentor training, the city has trained more than 500 mentors over 
the past 2 years.
  Madam Speaker, as Rick Baker embarks upon his final year as mayor, it 
is good that he receives recognition for a job well done for the people 
of St. Petersburg, Florida. He and his work stand as a symbol for all 
that is good about public service and those who choose to serve.

                          ____________________