[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E351-E352] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. CLEAVER: I rise today to honor the distinguished career of Mayor Leonard D. Jones, Jr., who has served as an elected representative of the people of Grandview, Missouri for 25 years. On this historic occasion, let us take a moment to reflect on Mayor Jones' illustrious career, which has come to be defined by dedication and distinction. Having lived in Grandview, Missouri since 1970, Mayor Jones graduated from Grandview High School before earning his bachelor's degree in computer science at Grambling State University and his Master of Business Administration at Webster University. On top of these academic accomplishments, Mayor Jones has achieved the lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager designation. Mayor Jones and his wife, Michelle, have three daughters, three grandsons, and one great granddaughter. First elected to the Grandview Board of Alderman in 1998, Mayor Jones served as Alderman Ward 1 for the next sixteen consecutive years, until becoming the city's mayor in 2014--a position he has maintained for nearly a decade. From the moment he took the oath of office, Mayor Jones began restoring trust in local government and public institutions, thereby earning the respect and admiration from residents on both sides of the aisle. Always putting the needs of the community first, Mayor Jones has been a tireless advocate for his constituents for a quarter century, forever focused on improving the lives of all those he serves. Currently, Mayor Jones serves as a Board Member of the Mid-America Regional Council's Total Transportation Policy Committee, in addition to serving on the Board of Trustees of the Little Blue Valley Sewer District. Moreover, Mayor Jones has served on the Grandview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the ReDiscover Board of Directors, the Missouri Municipal League Finance Committee, the HENA Executive Committee, the Grandview Assistance Program Board of Directors, and the National League of Cities Service Line Warranty Committee. It goes without saying that Mayor Jones' commitment to public service is sincere and profound, and Grandview isa better place to call home thanks to his championing of its people. During his time in executive office, Mayor Jones has overseen significant population growth, the development of countless new housing units, a sharp increase in commercial activity, abundant construction, an uptick in revenue, and a decrease in crime rates throughout the City of Grandview. With a population of over 25,000 people, Grandview is well served by its insightful Mayor and the determination with which he approaches the challenges facing everyday people. From repairing streets and sidewalks, to revitalizing public parks, Mayor Jones has consistently delivered tangible results for the people of Grandview while acting as a faithful steward of the tax dollars to which the City is entrusted. Beyond his responsibilities as Mayor and a member of several boards of directors, Mayor Jones retired from Sprint/T-Mobile after working in various positions within the company for 34 years. Mayor Jones is the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award from Metropolitan Community College-Longview and the 2019 Jane Bryan Distinguished Alumni Award. He has served on past and current ad hoc committees with the Little Blue Valley Sewer District Board of Trustees and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8100. Additionally, Mayor Jones served our country in uniform and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander as a Supply Corps Officer in the U.S. Naval Reserves. Grandview's mayor has never failed to lead by example, and his years of service to his community and our Nation will continue to inspire for generations to come. On behalf of the 118th Congress, I applaud Mayor Jones for serving the good people of Grandview, Missouri for the last 25 years in elected office. Mayor Jones' outstanding record of public service should serve as an example for people throughout this great country, and I want to wish the Mayor all the best in the years to come.