[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18151]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  MIKE WHITT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MINGO COUNTY REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2011

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I want to call to my colleagues' attention, 
during these times of budgetary debate, the significant savings 
realized by the taxpayers of our country by the vision and work of one 
of my constituents, Mr. Mike Whitt, the Executive Director of the Mingo 
County Redevelopment Authority.
  In pursuit of sound, forward-thinking economic development 
initiatives, Mike was light-years ahead of other jurisdictions when he 
began forging public-private partnerships to save taxpayer dollars, 
leveraging public funding and above all creating good paying 
sustainable jobs for families. No slick financing schemes; no hocus 
pocus accounting tricks here. Mike did his homework and did it well. He 
still does. Anyone, who has ever had the good fortune to participate in 
one of his project presentations, knows they have to be on their toes 
to answer detailed questions about what they can bring to the table.
  Mike has travelled the country sharing his valuable time with 
agencies and associations to spread the word about how some old-
fashioned hard work in planning economic development ventures upfront 
can save millions in the end. He has given freely of his experience and 
expertise so others can adopt his sensible and thoughtful approach to 
investing public funds to address citizen's needs for a darn good 
return on the taxpayer's dime.
  As we debate ways to improve our budget in the coming weeks, I hope 
my colleagues will look to the results sound public investment can 
yield when that investment is married with private investment and 
properly managed. I am certain the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority 
will be happy to share their accomplishments.
  In a larger sense, Mike Whitt serves as a bright beacon to all who 
strive to serve the public, administer public programs, and manage 
public funds. Our country owes Mike a debt of great gratitude for his 
work and his years of sacrifice away from family and friends to serve 
the public good.
  Recently, Mike has been battling some health issues. Mike is a man of 
great faith, a strong fighter, who has the courage of his convictions. 
We know though he appreciates the power of partnership, so we welcome 
your thoughts and prayers for Mike and his family as he tackles this 
personal challenge.

                          ____________________