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“TRIBUTE TO MAYOR THOMAS W. GREENE” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E912 on May 14, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO MAYOR THOMAS W. GREENE
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HON. LINDSEY O. GRAHAM
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 13, 1997
Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, the Honorable Thomas W. Greene, an exemplary public servant, selflessly served the city of North Augusta for 26 years. Better known as Tom to the citizens of North Augusta, SC, thanked the people for their support at his last city council meeting where he presided as mayor. The tearful event on Monday night, May 6, 1997, highlighted the resignation of a city icon.
Born in Atlanta, GA, Tom received his bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. After graduating from Georgia Tech, Tom served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years as a pilot. Tom returned to North Augusta and within a year President Kennedy recalled him for another year. Upon completion of his military career, Tom began his 36-year career at the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River site in Aiken, SC.
Tom began his political career in May, 1971, as a city councilman before being elected mayor of North Augusta in May, 1985. Tom's foresight and vision facilitated growth throughout the city of North Augusta--most of all done without a tax increase.
During his tenure, Tom's tireless efforts established a public safety department--merging the police and fire departments--along with the creation of a new municipal building and community center. His vision also encompassed the successful launching of the riverfront redevelopment on the banks of the picturesque Savannah River.
As an active member of the community, Tom recognized the need for a recreation facility in the city. His intuition led to the creation of Riverview Park which houses numerous baseball fields, a state-of-the-
art facility with several gymnasiums and numerous meeting rooms, and a walking path, the ``Greeneway,'' named after the beloved mayor. Once again, Tom's creativity coupled with his vision enabled the city to capitalize on one of their biggest assets--the scenic Savannah River.
In addition to his support of community and economic development, Tom's desire to spiritually guide his city led him to organize the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast which is held annually on the National Day of Prayer. As an active member and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church of North Augusta, Tom relies on the Lord for guidance in all areas of his life--including his years in public office.
Tom also generously served his community in other areas outside his official position. Due to his experience at the Savannah River site, Tom served on the site's citizen advisory board and continues to serve on the board of directors for Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness. His community activity includes extensive involvement in the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, past member of the board of directors for the United Way of Augusta, and member of the North Augusta American Legion Post. He currently serves as chairman of the North Augusta Crime Free Task Force.
While juggling the demands of a public official and community leader, Tom and his wife Barbara raised three children: Lynne, Susan, and Thomas, Jr. Tom is also a devoted grandfather of five beautiful grandchildren. Tom has always showered his family and city with love, concern, and patience.
The retirement of Tom as mayor of North Augusta closes a successful and eventful chapter in the history of North Augusta. Tom nurtured the city of North Augusta into a prosperous and growing city with a very bright future.
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