HONORING MAYOR MARVIN JOHNSON

On 2024-12-18, Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING MAYOR MARVIN JOHNSON" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, labor policy.

HONORING MAYOR MARVIN JOHNSON

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024)] [House] [Page H7328] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MAYOR MARVIN JOHNSON The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Emmer) for 5 minutes. Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of the longest-serving mayors in the Nation, Marvin Johnson, as he retires after 45 years of leading the city of Independence in Minnesota. Marvin was actually my inspiration to run for office. When my wife, Jacquie, and I were starting out, our city public works department marked 400-year-old trees on our property, two oaks and two maples, and they were to come out the next day for a new road. I called Marvin. He showed up at my house at 10 o'clock at night. He looked at the trees, he looked at the road, and he took out his ``brick phone'' that some of us remember from 30 years ago, and he called the public works director. He said, Danny, move the road 50 feet, we are not going to take these trees. Since that time, I have never seen a government official as effective as Marvin. His council meetings were models of efficiency and respect, even as I rocked my newborn children in their car seats under the table during late-night evening sessions. He is a true public servant and has been an outstanding mentor and friend over the years. As his career in public service comes to an end and he looks ahead to his 90th birthday this spring, we wish him all the best in whatever comes next. I thank him for his support over the years and his leadership on behalf of the city of Independence. Remembering Minnesota State Representative Dick Borrell Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Minnesota State Representative Dick Borrell who passed away suddenly earlier this year. Dick was not just a loving family man, but also a successful businessman and a true patriot. Raised in Waverly, Minnesota, he went on to serve our Nation in the Marine Corps and earned his degree from Minnesota State, Mankato. Dick had a Midas touch when it came to business. Everything he touched seemed to turn to gold. He ran his business for over 20 years and was often found working overtime or on weekends shoulder-to- shoulder on the production lines with his employees. In fact, Dick was at his warehouse working just 3 days before he passed away. When not at work, Dick loved flying and sharing countless adventures with his wife, Patty, usually from their backyard runway, which he used for his plane. He even spent time flying around the State with me during my campaign for Governor, which I will never forget. Dick was passionate about politics and preceded me in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He was an active member of the Wright County Republicans and was never shy about sharing his thoughts about what is coming out of Washington. He was a leader in our community. Dick Borrell touched the lives of thousands in Minnesota. To his wife, Patty, and the rest of the Borrell family, we offer our most sincere condolences, and we will always remember our friend, Dick, and a life well-lived. Recognizing Congressman Dean Phillips Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge my Minnesota congressional colleague, Congressman Dean Phillips, as he concludes his service in the House of Representatives. Outside of Congress, Dean has proven to be a shrewd businessman, owning and starting several successful companies, and helping run his family's business. During his tenure here in Washington, Dean worked across the aisle with the same tenacity to help Minnesotans. From ensuring small businesses received the financial flexibility they needed during COVID to working with all of us in the Minnesota delegation to strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs for our veterans, we found ways to put our political differences aside and get results for our constituents. As we saw over the last year, Dean is never afraid to pursue common ground for the common good and fight to restore Americans' faith in our institutions, regardless of the political ramifications. I thank Dean for his service. We wish him all the best in his next chapter. ____________________