Recognizing Mayor Eugene Parkison for His 40 Years of Service to the Lexington Community

Floor Speech

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Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Eugene Parkison, for the forty years he has dedicated to Lexington, Ohio and the surrounding area.

Mayor Parkison's career, now spanning more than four decades, exemplifies a selfless commitment to public service. After being appointed to a Lexington City Council seat in 1978, Gene was sworn in as Mayor in 1983. Today, with more than 35 years in this role, he is now the longest-tenured mayor in Richland County history.

As a holder of public office, Mayor Parkison has continually gone above and beyond his call of duty. His dedication has manifested itself in countless ways over the years, including in his recent effort to collect and donate several boxes of clothing, shoes, and blankets to victims of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. For his remarkable service, Gene has been honored with several awards, including the proclamation of Eugene R. Parkison Day--which has been celebrated in Lexington on July 1st of every year since 2013.

Admired and respected by all, many current and former Lexington City councilman have cited Gene as an important mentor in their lives--both professionally and personally. However, beyond his work in local government, Gene has served the Lexington community in a number of other capacities as well, including as a member of the Catholic Charities Board.

As family, friends, and Lexington gather to recognize Gene's outstanding career, I salute him for his ongoing commitment to service above self. Mayor Parkison can take great pride in all he has accomplished and in the positive impact that his work has--and will continue to--have.

I thank Gene for his devotion to bettering Lexington, Ohio and in turn, I honor him for his incredible record of achievement.

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