[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4637]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO LARRY MacDONALD

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Larry MacDonald 
as he retires from the city of Bayfield, WI, after an impressive 20 
years as the city's mayor. Since his election in 1994, Larry has 
dedicated himself to improving the city of Bayfield and making it a 
wonderful destination in northwestern Wisconsin.
  Larry was born in Munich, Germany, to American parents. After growing 
up in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, Larry and his wife, Julie, 
moved to Bayfield in 1989. They opened Cooper Hill House B&B, 
contributing to Bayfield's tradition of welcoming visitors from across 
the State to beautiful Bayfield County. The MacDonalds also opened the 
Apostle Islands Outfitters that, for close to two decades, supported 
Bayfield and the city's practice of providing outstanding outdoor 
recreation opportunities to residents and tourists alike.
  While he has served as mayor for 20 years, Larry's career in public 
service began as a casual interest in local government. However, as a 
proactive politician, a committed environmentalist, and a savvy 
businessman, Larry's casual interest quickly grew into a remarkable 
passion for his work and dedication to his city. Over the past two 
decades and despite an ill-fated attempt at retirement in 2004, Larry 
has influenced all aspects of the Bayfield community.
  The city of Bayfield is the smallest city in Wisconsin, but one of 
our most popular destinations. A beautiful city located on Lake 
Superior, Bayfield draws visitors from across the State. When others 
would be daunted, he faced head-on the challenges of a local economy 
based on tourism, working with local organizations and listening 
closely to his community. Larry also dedicated his career to 
maintaining the natural beauty of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands 
through his work as a board member of the Alliance of the Great Lakes 
and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. As mayor, he led the city 
to be one of the first in the Nation to adopt an eco-municipality 
resolution, thereby codifying its commitment to sustainability, setting 
an example for others to follow, and preserving Bayfield's natural 
resources for generations to come.
  Larry's involvement in the community goes beyond his work as mayor. 
His many civic contributions include roles as master of ceremonies for 
the Bayfield Apple Festival for many years, an avid participant in the 
Big Top Chautauqua annual Pie & Politics event, and a regular 
contributor to the Bayfield School Reading Days. Larry's influence can 
be seen throughout the city, whether it is through his community work, 
the time he has spent working at his family's business interests, or 
simply enjoying the city.
  However, when he looks back on his many roles in life, his greatest 
accomplishment will be his 20 years of service as mayor. Larry himself 
describes it as the best job he ever had. While he attributes his 
success to the Bayfield community, the city council and his dedicated 
staff, Larry's success comes from his own will. His investment in his 
staff, his honesty and involvement, and his personal touch are what 
spurred Bayfield residents to return him to office year after year. 
Although in retirement he will no longer be in the mayor's office, 
Larry's legacy will remain.
  Over the past 20 years, Larry has impacted Bayfield residents and the 
community around him through his dedication, honest nature, and kind 
heart. I am so pleased to join others in recognizing Larry's success 
and accomplishments. I wish him, his wife, Julie, their children, many 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren all the best in the next chapter 
of their lives together.

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