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“HONORING MAYOR RONDELL STEWART OF INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E773 on May 10, 2006.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING MAYOR RONDELL STEWART OF INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI
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HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to pay tribute to Mayor Ron Stewart, the arbitrator, peace maker and enthusiastic Mayor for the City of Independence, Missouri. After providing 12 years of planned economic advancement and growth for the city of Independence, Mayor Stewart has decided to retire.
For 45 years Ron Stewart has made Independence a safer and more productive city. He began his career at the City on the Independence Police Force where he served for 31 years. He cultivated an appreciation and understanding of the City and its problems. Upon retirement he was encouraged to run for the Independence City Council and won. Two years later he ran for Mayor. The citizens of Independence elected Ron Stewart every time he ran for office. The All American City appreciates and enjoys every positive objective initiated by Ron Stewart aimed at building a brilliant future while preserving a rich heritage.
During his three terms as Mayor he stimulated vibrant economic growth by working with public and private entities, and community organizations. He made it a priority to work closely with the Independence Chamber of Commerce, built partnerships with neighboring cities, championed relationships between state and federal elected officials, and strengthened international relationships with Sister City Higashimurayamam, Japan.
The Mayor persuaded the City of Independence to pass a sales tax to repair a debilitating infrastructure. As a result of his leadership, streets continue to be repaired and built, a critical Storm Water Control problem has been rectified through increased maintenance and repair, the City's water supply system has been upgraded, electrical supply increased, and a nonfunctioning Parks Department now serves the city with new facilities, programs and refreshed parks.
His honors and awards are numerous and include the United States Department of Transportation, Appreciation for Distinguished Leadership Award, 2000; The Jackson County Inter-Agency Council, Community Service Award, 1999; The Jackson County Historical Society Award for Service, 1998; Chamber of Commerce, Distinguished Citizen Award, 1996; Kentucky State Police, Division of Department of Public Safety Award, 1966. He is a member of the F.O.P Lodge 1; National FBI Academy, Masonic Blue Lodge 76, Ararat Shrine, South Independence Optimist Club; American Legion Post 21; Fraternal Order of Eagles; Moose Lodge Rotary and the Lions Club.
The citizens of Independence know Ron Stewart as a no-nonsense type of guy whose integrity has brought trust. He appreciates his life's treasures that include his family and his wife Marilyn who has been by his side for more than 46 years. He is a musician that enjoys singing and playing his steel guitar in his band, ``Country by Choice''. He rode into public service as a young Independence motor cycle patrol officer and continues to enjoy riding on his Harley-Davidson. His departing documentary was a video that followed the Mayor on his Harley-Davidson as he recounted his proudest accomplishments throughout the city.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues in the House join me in saluting the Mayor of Independence, Ron Stewart, for his leadership and many accomplishments for the City of Independence, Missouri. We wish him the very best as Mayor Stewart leaves public office with a song in his heart and time to explore on his Harley. Thank you, Ron Stewart for choosing to serve. You elevated Independence, Missouri to an All-American City.
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