Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to several local responders in southwest Alabama whose heroic actions helped to save the lives of two toddlers.

John Thomas Atchison and Cole Hicks accidentally fell into the backyard pool of their daycare and were unresponsive when they were discovered. Dispatchers were immediately called for help, and Alabama State Trooper Daryl Linder was the first one on the scene. Moments later, Jackson Police officer Carey Slayton arrived, and both began administering CPR on the toddlers. Many others began arriving on the scene, including Dr. Jared Ellis, who had heard about the incident.

The boys were flown to the University of South Alabama Women's and Children's Hospital. For the next 6 weeks, Cole Hicks was hospitalized in Mobile and then transferred to Birmingham. He is still recovering and undergoing physical therapy daily. Even though Cole still faces a long road to recovery, he is alive and that is all that matters to his parents and the people that rescued him that day.

As for John Thomas Atchison, the 2-year old became responsive and started breathing on his own soon after the officers started giving him CPR. Today, he is a healthy young boy with no serious damage from the accident.

The Alabama State Legislature as well as the Clarke County Commission have passed resolutions honoring the men and women that saved these two young boys including: Alabama State Trooper Daryl Linder, Jackson Police officer Carey Slayton, Jackson Police officer Barry Fowler, Dr. Jared Ellis, EMT Scott Flach, Alan Rutledge, EMT Stacey Rutledge, Kenny Reeves, EMT Rodney Johnson and registered nurse Henry Eubanks.

Madam Speaker, the dedication of the men and women who responded that day is a testimony to local law enforcement agencies and their commitment to their job and community. I am truly grateful to have men and women like this serving our local districts.

Madam Speaker, the city of Autaugaville and indeed the entire State of Alabama, recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Born on September 18, 1934, in Ripley, TN, Thomas Glynn Parker began his career in the transit business. He relocated to Denver, Minneapolis, Austin, and Phoenix before arriving in Montgomery, AL. On July 3, 1964, he married his loving wife Sandra Tribble, and after the birth of their son, Mitch, the family settled in Prattville, where his love for politics was ignited.

Tom served on the Autauga County Republican Executive Committee and the State Executive Committee. He received his first appointment to the Autauga County Board of Registrars in 1995, and his second in 2003. Tom devoted countless hours working in support of local and State GOP candidates. Most recently, he served as Autauga County team leader for Governor Bob Riley. Tom was a true leader and an Alabamian of distinction that will be greatly missed.

Tom was not only dedicated to his work but also to his beloved family. He taught his grandchildren the importance of voting, helping them get involved in political campaigns starting at a young age.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout the State of Alabama. Thomas Glynn Parker will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Sandra; his son, Mitch; his daughter-in-law, Selina; his brother, Charles; and his two grandchildren, Mason and Hanna Grace--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, Mobile County and, indeed, the entire state of Alabama, has lost a dear friend and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory.

Mylan Engel, a distinguished former State legislator, was a devoted family man while spending nearly 50 years of his life in the arena of public service. Mylan served in both the Alabama House of Representatives and the Alabama Senate from 1961 to 1970.

During his career in the legislature, Mr. Engel was the chairman of the Mobile County delegation for 4 years and served as the floor leader under three governors. During this time and in the years that followed, he also served as chief attorney for the Mobile County Personnel Board. He never fully retired from practicing law until he suffered a stroke about a year ago.

While a member of the Alabama Legislature, Mr. Engel sponsored countless bills that were later signed into law, but he is perhaps best known for his legislation to create the University of South Alabama in 1963. Mylan was a member of the University's Board of Trustees from 1963 to 1975, and he stepped down from the USA Foundation in June.

Mr. Engel grew up on a farm in rural Summerdale, Alabama, where he developed a work ethic rooted in his Christian faith and instilled in him by his parents.

Farming became his passion, and he continued to plant and harvest crops throughout his life. His family notes that Mr. Engel was known for giving away his new potatoes, corn, beans and watermelons. In addition, Mr. Engel was a 50-year member of the congregation at Grace Lutheran Church.

Mr. Engel, a graduate of the University of Alabama, was a distinguished veteran of World War II. He served in the Rhineland and Central European campaigns.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated public servant and long-time advocate for Mobile and south Alabama.

Mylan Engel, Sr., will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Rositha Engel; his four sons, Mylan R. Engel Jr., Mark Engel, Daniel Engel, and Tommy Whitman; his two daughters, Carla Meyers and Bonita Engel Amonett; his seven grandsons and two granddaughters--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama on the occasion of their 50th anniversary.

For five decades, the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama have provided safe, positive places for children and adolescents. B.R. ``Babe'' Wilson Jr., Arthur Tonsmeire, and Jack Harris formed the area's first Boys Club of Mobile on McDuffie Island with 20 boys as members. Today, the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama have 11 clubs and a 150-acre day camp.

The clubs are open year-round and offer members help with homework, classes on computers, organized athletics, arts and crafts, and life- skill programs such as the Job Ready Program. In 2006, there were over 17,000 registered members, and youth served in Mobile and Baldwin counties through the Boys and Girls Clubs' community outreach.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America began in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1860. At a time when parents labored 12 hours a day, six days a week, many of their children were left unsupervised. Elizabeth Hamersley, along with sisters Mary and Alice Godwin, encouraged others to invite these boys into their homes for refreshments--an effort which eventually grew into the Dashaway Club. In 1906, 53 of the organizations united in Boston to form the Federated Boys' Clubs, now known as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

It is my sincere hope that the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama will continue its vital service to the children of south Alabama for another 50 years. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama, along with executive director Mary Zoghby, the staff and many volunteers for their dedication and hard work as well as for being a positive influence on the lives of so many young men and women throughout south Alabama.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. Charles Paul Butler Jr., on the occasion of his eightieth birthday. Charley Butler, a long time resident of Brundidge, Alabama, in Pike County, has been widely recognized for his community service, and I am honored to add my recognition on the floor of the House of Representatives today.

Charley Butler and his family relocated to Brundidge, Alabama, in 1961. There began what would become a lifetime commitment to the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 34. That troop had been languishing for a number of years, but Mr. Butler spearheaded an effort to restore its vitality. He recruited a superb bullpen of adult leaders and lined up important sponsors such as the local Army National Guard Armory. The troop became the pride of the Alabama-Florida Council as one of the best equipped, most active troops in the region. Troop 34 consistently spent more days encamped than any surrounding troop and was the envy of all when it showed up at Camp Ala-Flo in its custom-painted Troop 34 school bus. Of most significance, Scoutmaster Butler was constantly teaching and imparting the values that are so important to the development of young men. During Mr. Butler's tenure as scoutmaster of Troop 34, seventeen members of the community earned the rare rank of Eagle, a remarkable achievement for a small troop from a small town.

Mr. Butler's contributions to the Boy Scouts have been widely recognized. The Boy Scouts of America awarded him the prestigious ``Silver Beaver Award,'' top recognition for an adult volunteer leader. And in 1988, at ``Scout Day'' at the Brundidge United Methodist

Church, he received a particularly fitting tribute. On that day, a group of his former Eagle Scouts gathered to present Mr. Butler with a statue of a scoutmaster as a simple expression of thanks for the important role he had played in each of their lives. Among the Eagle Scouts gathered that day were his own two sons, as well as several fatherless boys who considered him very much like a father.

Charley Butler has also been widely recognized by the broader community. He received the ``Civic Achievement Award'' for 2007 from the alumni association of Kettering University (formerly GMI Engineering and Management Institute) of Flint, Michigan. In 2003, he received the Brundidge Business Association ``Humanitarian Award.'' Active for many years in the Brundidge Rotary Club, he has been recognized frequently by that organization. He is a three time recipient of the group's ``Service above Self Award,'' a 2001 recipient of the ``Rotary Special Service Award,'' and in 1986, the recipient of Rotary's highest recognition, the ``Paul Harris Fellow Award.'' More recently, the Brundidge Rotary Club presented Mr. Butler a ``Lifetime of Service Award'' for his outstanding service from 1975 to 2007.

Madam Speaker, Charley Butler truly personifies the motto ``service above self.'' His sacrifices of time, effort and energy have truly made his community a better place. His legacy is well-established and will be long-lasting. I am proud to add my name to the list of those recognizing him, and I offer him best wishes on his eightieth birthday.

Madam Speaker, the city of Mobile and indeed the entire state of Alabama, recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor her memory and pay tribute to her for a lifetime of exemplary service.

Mrs. Dorothy ``Dot'' Moore, a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great grandmother was a devoted family matriarch. A native of Pensacola, Florida, Dot attended Leinkauf Elementary before attending Murphy High School in Mobile.

Dot's professional career began in the steamship business where she worked as a secretary. She then went on to become a registrar at the University of Alabama Expansion Center. While working for the Expansion Center, she was offered a job with the U.S. Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Air Force. Dot then went on to open ``Dot's Dress Shoppe.'' It was in this dress shop where she met a radio personality and TV chef who helped her launch her radio and television career.

Dot was a receptionist at WABB in 1958, and it was this position that led to her speaking before a wide radio audience. With her trademark low tone voice, Dot was the voice of many radio and television commercials, and she later became the host of WALA's daily half-hour program ``Channel 10 Kitchen.''

On May 14, 1963, ``Dot Moore & Company'' went on the air, and viewers across the central gulf coast welcomed Dot into their homes. The show remained on the air with various names, including ``The Dot Moore Show'' well into the 21st century. Dot also became well-known for her coverage of Mobile's Mardi Gras celebration for over 33 years on WALA.

For five decades, Dot was a fixture on Mobile's WALA-TV, and she was an outstanding example of the quality of individuals who have devoted their lives to the field of broadcast journalism.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout Alabama. On behalf of all those who have benefited from her good heart and generous spirit, permit me to extend thanks for her many efforts in making Mobile and south Alabama a better place.

Mrs. Dorothy ``Dot'' Moore will be deeply missed by her family--her son, Robert J. Miller Jr.; her grandson, Robert J. Miller III; and her great grandson Carter B. Miller--as well as the countless friends she leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to America's Junior Miss on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of America's Junior Miss scholarship program. This year's national finals will be held June 28, 29 and 30th in Mobile, Alabama.

America's Junior Miss scholarship program has been vital to young women across the United States. Founded in Mobile, Alabama, in 1958, by the city's Junior Chamber of Commerce, the program held its first national program with 15 states represented. Participants are evaluated in five categories: interview, talent, scholastics, self-expression and fitness.

America's Junior Miss aims to promote self-esteem through its ``Be Your Best Self'' program. This program, adopted in 1987, is a way for Junior Miss participants to share a positive, personal approach to young people and help them lead successful and productive lives. The program encourages making a commitment to self-improvement with a focus on education, community service, proper nutrition, staying fit, living by moral principles, setting goals, and striving to reach those goals.

Since its founding, over $87.7 million has been awarded to over 700,000 contestants. Last year, more than $2 million was awarded in cash scholarships with almost 200 universities and colleges offering college-granted scholarships to participants. Former participants in the program include Diane Sawyer, Deborah Norville, E.D. Hill, Kim Basinger, Dr. Linda Rutledge Delbridge, and Debra Messing.

It is my sincere hope that America's Junior Miss will continue to be a source of inspiration to young women across the United States for another 50 years. I rise today to salute this organization and the many contributions it has made toward the enrichment of young women across the United States.

Madam Speaker, on Thursday, June 21, 2007, I accompanied President George W. Bush to the State of Alabama to tour a nuclear facility and was subsequently absent for 22 votes on June 21 and June 22. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 542 and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 548.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to commend Nancy Holmes and offer her our heartfelt thanks on behalf of the people of southwest Alabama for a lifetime of service to both the City of Mobile and the State of Alabama.

For almost six decades, Nancy has dedicated a considerable amount of time toward preserving Mobile's historic landmarks. Nancy Holmes moved to Mobile in 1950 and was one of the original members of the Mobile Historic Development Commission. She served several terms as president where she established a fund to prevent the destruction of historic buildings, including the Horst-Ezell House.

One of the most highly regarded preservation architects in the United States, Nancy has received many honors over her years of service including the M.O. Beale Scroll of Merit, a certificate of appreciation from the governor of Alabama, the Travel Award Trophy from the Mobile Chamber of Commerce, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alabama Historical Commission, and the First Lady of Mobile recognition in 1966. She has also held several positions with the Historic Mobile Preservation Society including president, civics chairman, Oakleigh Historic House Museum guides chairman and program chairman. She has published articles in Antique magazine and is actively involved in the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a member.

This month, the Historic Mobile Preservation Society is bestowing Nancy with the Preservationist of Distinction award for her lifetime of achievement as a historic preservationist.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Nancy for her tireless commitment to the betterment of Mobile. I know her family and many friends join with me in praising her accomplishments and extending thanks for her many efforts over the years in making Mobile and southwest Alabama a better place.

Madam Speaker, the city of Camden and indeed the entire State of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory.

Mr. Porter Tait, Jr., a devoted family man, was dedicated to the continued growth and prosperity of Camden. A U.S. Army veteran, he served in World War II and the Korean war and worked for International Paper for over 20 years.

A life long resident of Wilcox County, Porter was a member of Camden Baptist Church and a member of the BYKOTA Sunday School Class. A master Mason, Porter was a member of the Dale Lodge #25 for 55 years. He was also a Shriner, a member of the Alcazar Temple in Montgomery, the American Legion Post 84, and the Selma Elks Lodge.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout Alabama. Mr. Porter Tait, Jr. will be deeply missed by his family--his wife of 51 years, Lula Lee Ray Tait; his two sons, Porter Edward Tait III, and Timothy Ray Tait; his one daughter, Dr. Margaret Tait Moore; his four sisters, Martha Jones, Pauline T. D'Alessio, Laura Carr, and Doris Locklin; and his six grandchildren--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

In addition to my statement, I ask that an accompanying article from the Wilcox Progressive Era, written by its longtime publisher, M. Hollis Curl, be included in this tribute to Porter Tait. May he rest in peace.

Family and friends gathered yesterday at the Camden Baptist

Church to eulogize Porter Tait before driving on down to

Reaves Chapel Baptist Church for Masonic services at

graveside.

Porter died late Sunday afternoon at J. Paul Jones Hospital

where he had been a patient for several days. Members of his

loving family were at his bedside; anguished at his leaving

them but relieved that his suffering was over.

I first came to know Porter Tait in the late 1960's; just a

few years before a serious stroke left him substantially

disabled. His two sons, Ted and Tim were classmates of my

son, Mark, and daughter, Julie. His daughter Meg came along a

bit later and we all marveled at her superior intellect as

she breezed through college at Auburn before graduating from

medical school in Birmingham. She--along with her brothers--

was a source of great pride to Porter and his wife, Lula Lee.

Actually, there was a ``family'' bond of sorts between

Porter and me. We shared a grandson, Tyler Tait, who was born

to Julie and Ted. They eventually went their separate ways

but have remained friends over the years.

But I digress. This is not about family, nor friends, nor

relationships. It is about a man who was loved and respected

by all who knew him.

The stroke which left Porter unable to work forced him to

get about on unsteady legs and, as the years went by, to

limit his speech somewhat. But he never gave up.

For quite a few years Porter made his usual rounds about

Camden in a little VW bug which he eventually abandoned in

favor of a small pickup truck. Those two vehicles were seen

almost daily at the business places of friends he had known

all his life.

One of his favorite activities was helping as best he could

with barbecue cooking at the drive-in which his son Ted sold

to Travis Durant who sold it to Larry Gaston. Porter knew

just what it took to turn out mouthwatering barbecue spiced

with his own brand of tale-telling around the fire.

Most younger folks in Camden probably didn't know Porter

Tait. His disability had kept him close to home on McWilliams

Avenue just across from the hospital. That is unfortunate

because Porter Tait was the sort of fellow who could impart

great life lessons drawn from his 79 years of life.

It is also important to note that Porter Tait was a devout,

born-again Christian who read his Bible every day. He knew

the message Jesus gave us and he incorporated those beliefs

into his life and his relationships with those who visited

him as he grew increasingly home-bound.

Come to think of it, when it came to living a Christ-like

life I never saw anything in Porter's life to diminish my

respect for him.

He played out his life with the hand that was dealt him and

I never heard him say an unkind word about anybody.

He was a good man.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Baker High School on winning the 2007 6A Girls' State Softball Championship.

Baker High School's girls' softball team won the 6A State softball championship, giving the Honeybee's their third title in the past 6 years. The win also gave Baker its 79th victory of the year, breaking its State record for wins in a season.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Baker High School on a great season and their State softball championship. This school deserves public recognition on this great honor, and I extend my congratulations to each member of the team and coaching staff:

Baker High School Team: Kandace Breeland, 12th; Natalie Charles, 12th; Kelsey Donaldson, 12th; Meghan Harbuck, 12th; Amber Hester, 12th; Jenny Laird, 12th; Monica Meadows, 12th; Krista Rodden, 12th; Jessica Rodgers, 9th; Samantha Shelley, 11th; Jennifer Turner, 9th; Meghan Wallace, 12th; and Head Coach Tony Scarbrough.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to recognize Ben Midgett on more than three decades of dedicated service to southwest Alabama.

Ben recently transferred from the DuPont Mobile site to the DuPont DeLisle site in Pass Christian, Mississippi. After joining the Mobile Plant and Shell Company in 1977, as a process technician, Ben's first role was as an operator. Two years later, Ben had an opportunity to move to the site laboratory where he remained for 8 years. Here his emphasis was on environmental analysis.

As Federal regulations changed and focus shifted to environmental impact, Ben's expertise made him an integral part of DuPont's environmental team. Because of Ben's knowledge and expertise, he was promoted to public affairs manager at the DuPont DeLisle site.

I ask my colleagues to join with me in commending Ben Midgette for his years of service to Mobile County and southwest Alabama. I know Ben's colleagues, his family, and his many friends join with me in praising his significant accomplishments and extending thanks for all of his efforts at making Alabama a better place.

Madam Speaker, on Friday, June 15, 2007, and Monday, June 18, 2007, I attended events with Alabama's governor and other elected leaders to recruit significant economic development projects for my district and our state and subsequently was absent for 36 votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall 491 and ``yea'' on rollcall 498.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Torry Kidd, Sr., on the occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. Torry Kidd, Sr., and Lydia Stallworth were married on June 26, 1942, at Parsonages at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama.

Mr. Kidd is a respected member of his church and community. He has been a member of the Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church #2 for over 60 years, recently serving as trustee. In 1942, he began his service with the U.S. Army. Following an honorable discharge, he went to work for McGowin & Lyons Hardware and Supply Company, while earning his degree from Spaulding Business School. Mr. Kidd then went to work for Moore Handley and became the company's first African-American salesperson. When the company relocated, Mr. Kidd became the building manager for World Wide Crating and Packing Company. He retired in 1984 and started Kidd Janitorial Service.

A member of Andrew Street Church of Christ for over 60 years, Mrs. Kidd was born Lydia Stallworth in Gordonville, Alabama. A graduate of Lowndes County Training School, her first job was with a janitorial service. After raising 11 children, Mrs. Kidd returned to the work force and began caring for elderly patients at Cogburn Nursing Home and later at the Medic Center in Mobile. Her skills combined with her compassionate heart led to requests for her service as a private duty nurse, which she was for over 30 years.

Their 11 children: Torry, Jr., Winston, Sr., Anthony, Sr., Christina, Wayne, Sr., Donna, Arnold, Sr., Amos, Beverly, Mark, Sr., and Phillip, Sr. would like me to pass on a special word of appreciation to their parents for the example they have set, the encouragement they have given; and yes, even the discipline they have administered. Mr. and Mrs. Kidd's family are grateful for the love they shared not only with them but with their many friends.

Madam Speaker, in these times where there is so much trouble and turmoil on the television set and all around us in our communities, it is refreshing to know a family that is committed to the values and outstanding morals that Mr. and Mrs. Torry Kidd, Sr., have encouraged in their marriage and family. I have no doubt that this marriage symbolizes the strength of character and love of God that every American should emulate. I know their 11 children, 25 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and their many friends join with me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Kidd on their 65th anniversary and wishing for them many more happy celebrations to come.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to recognize the outstanding service and leadership of Bob Williams on the occasion of his retirement after 35 years of service in public transportation. For the past 6 years, Bob has served Mobile as the general manager of the Wave Transit System.

Bob began his career in Peoria, Illinois, as a bus operator and rose to assistant general manager. In 1988, he was selected to be assistant general manager of the Transit System in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he served for 12 years.

In 2001, Bob came to Mobile and was responsible for the overall management of day-to-day operations. He oversaw the opening of the renovated GM&O building and helped coordinate relief efforts during Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina. Bob forever changed the face of public transportation in Mobile--new carriers, the MODA, user-friendly routing, neighborhood pick-up service, comfortable rider stations, litter free bus rides, and increased ridership.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in commending Bob Williams for his tireless service to public transportation in Mobile. I know Bob's colleagues, his family, and his many friends join with me in praising his significant accomplishments and extending thanks for all his efforts on behalf of the citizens of the First Congressional District.