Recognizing Representative Bill L. Ransdall
RECOGNIZING REPRESENTATIVE BILL L. RANSDALL -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 21, 2004)
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, a distinguished career in the Missouri House of Representatives will soon end. Representative Bill Ransdall will be retiring at the end of the year.
Rep. Ransdall was elected to the Waynesville City Council in 1978. He dedicated the next 18 years to serving the people of Waynesville, taking the position of Mayor Pro Tem in 1982. He then was elected Mayor, a position he held from 1988 through 1996.
The people of the 148th district first elected Rep. Ransdall to the Missouri House in 1996 and reelected him to the maximum four terms allowed under state term limits laws. His leadership was recognized in the legislature and he was elected to the post of Assistant Minority Floor Leader. His advice and counsel have been sought in the legislature and in the administration on the complex issues of the state budget and legislative procedure.
In addition to his legislative work, he has a record of service and leadership in the community-including the United Methodist Church, Association of the United States Army, Masonic Lodge No. 375 AF and AM, Abou Ben Adhem, Scottish Rite, Sojourners, Committee of Fifty, Missouri Cattlemens Association, Farm Bureau, Ducks Unlimited, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. He also has been a successful businessman and farmer.
Rep. Ransdall has earned the respect of many throughout his district and the state. He received of the Outstanding Civilian Award with Medal by the Department of the Army. He also has been recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, earned the Legislative Recognition award from the Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education, and received the Missouri Vocational Special Needs Association Distinguished Service for Community Involvement Award.
His tireless work on behalf of his constituents created many opportunities for economic expansion in the 148th district and beyond. He has been an effective advocate for his neighbors in their issues with the state agencies in Missouri.
Mr. Speaker, Representative Ransdall's dedication to public service is an example to us all. He has devoted many years of his life to taking care of the needs of others. I am sure the other Members of the House will join me in thanking my friend Bill for his hard work and in wishing him and his wife, Pat, all the best in the years to come.