COMMENDING MAYOR GARY MANIER FOR 24 YEARS OF SERVICE TO CENTRAL ILLINOIS

On 2025-04-07, Representative Darin LaHood (R-IL-16) delivered a floor speech titled "COMMENDING MAYOR GARY MANIER FOR 24 YEARS OF SERVICE TO CENTRAL ILLINOIS" in the House.

COMMENDING MAYOR GARY MANIER FOR 24 YEARS OF SERVICE TO CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E289] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COMMENDING MAYOR GARY MANIER FOR 24 YEARS OF SERVICE TO CENTRAL ILLINOIS ______ HON. DARIN LaHOOD of illinois in the house of representatives Monday, April 7, 2025 Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor and congratulate Gary Manier for his 24 years of service as the Mayor of Washington, Illinois. Mayor Manier is a proud Washington native and graduated from Washington Community High School in 1972. Gary attended Illinois Central College and, upon graduation, started what would eventually become a 42-year career at Caterpillar, Inc. until his retirement in 2015. Before becoming Mayor of Washington, his career of public service began on the Washington Community High School Board, where he served as both Vice President and President. In April of 2001, Manier was first elected as Mayor of Washington in a competitive election with four other candidates. Throughout his decades long tenure as Mayor, Gary accomplished many projects on behalf of the city of Washington. These include, but are not limited to, the opening of the Five Points Community Center, a new Washington City Hall and police station, implementation of incentives to attract business investments in Washington, improvement of local streets and major roads, and an upgrade of the city's sewer system to accommodate the growth of the community. One of the most pivotal times of Mayor Manier's tenure came after the historic and devastating EF-4 tornado on November 17, 2013. Tragically, the city of Washington suffered loss of life, approximately $1 billion in property damage to more than 1,100 homes, and the priceless loss of cherished personal belongings. I know many in Washington hold Mayor Manier in high esteem for his strong, critical leadership during that extremely challenging time for the community. Mayor Manier has earned numerous accolades including the President's Servant Leader Award from Eureka College, being named Washingtonian of the Year in 2014, and being elected twice as the Second Vice President of the Illinois Municipal League. Undoubtably, Mayor Manier's leadership will leave a lasting impact on the city of Washington and Central Illinois. It is my pleasure to congratulate him on his retirement and wish him, his wife Lada, daughter Brooke, son Chase, and their seven grandchildren the best in the future. ____________________