S6688 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 11, 2014 Force Base continues to seek MERC’s business at Warner Robins. In case it is Heart, to raise money for it. Mary Ann would unique expertise and essential engi- not, I urge my colleagues here in the come back from Hollywood and emcee it. neering skills, but is forced to pass Senate to remain vigilant in their ‘‘She remembered everybody. She treated money through small and large busi- oversight responsibilities, and I renew us just the same. She never got too big for us. She was the same girl who used to ride nesses to MERC adding time and cost my call to the Secretary of the Air palomino horses in the pasture behind her to the product/service delivery. By de- Force to ensure local commands apply house.’’ manding more awards go to small busi- the FAR as written so as to guarantee Judy Trott, former dean of students at Ole nesses, the government also suffers a our men and women in uniform have Miss, said Mobley ‘‘was always generous loss of intellectual property, IP, since exactly what they need, when they with her time when it came to Ole Miss.’’ MERC transfers ownership of all said need it, and at a price that is in keep- ‘‘She would come back and oversee the property back to the U.S. Government, ing with our responsibilities as stew- Miss University pageant—the one she won to send her to —and the Parade of while small businesses can retain IP ards of the American tax dollar.∑ for future revenue. Beauties, another pageant that we still You would be hard pressed to find f hold,’’ she said. REMEMBERING MARY ANN Trott wasn’t surprised Mobley went on to any bigger supporter of small busi- become a popular film and TV actress. nesses in the Senate than myself. How- MOBLEY ‘‘Mary Ann was groomed for it,’’ she said. ever, when it comes to ensuring our ∑ Mr. COCHRAN. Madam President, ‘‘She had great talent, a great voice. Her men and women fighting overseas for my State has lost one of our finest citi- mother would often come to pageants up our freedom have what they need to zens. , a friend to here with her, and she was outgoing and bub- get the job done, there are only three many and one of our best known Mis- bly. I guess that’s where Mary Ann got her personality. things I care about: cost, schedule, and sissippians, passed away Tuesday. performance. Our men and women in ‘‘I remember after one of the pageants tak- Mary Ann was the first young woman ing Mary Ann and her mother down to the uniform deserve that. from Mississippi to be crowned Miss In this era of defense spending aus- Holka, a place you could get cake and coffee. America, an accomplishment that was We were in there for three hours that night. terity, the Air Force can ill afford the a source of great pride to my State. I It wasn’t just the students talking to Mary unintended consequences of precluding got to know Mary Ann at the Univer- Ann, it was Mary Ann talking to the stu- entities that supply vital complex en- sity of Mississippi, where she was real- dents. She was interested in them, wanted to gineering solutions, along with the ly a superstar and a fine actress. Inci- know their plans, their goals. She was ex- added benefit of cross pollination of tremely warm and outgoing. It was easy to dentally, we were cast in a University educational experience between gov- love her.’’ Players production of ‘‘Tiger at the ernment employees, both civilian and Hometown friends, saddened by her death, Gates’’ at Ole Miss. She made Mis- military, and the best in the academic quietly reminisced Wednesday. sissippians proud of her success as an Mobley not only battled breast cancer in engineering community, from receiv- entertainer in Hollywood and a person recent years but suffered carpal tunnel syn- ing business simply to meet a set-aside who kept our State close to her heart drome in both hands and arms. Emails be- quota. came shorter as every letter of every word This issue is about ensuring Robins throughout her career. I ask unanimous consent that a De- required effort. Air Force Base maintains essential en- Phone calls to check on the people of her gineering capabilities to supplement cember 11, 2014, article from the Clar- hometown also became shorter, but no more their own and their ability to swiftly ion-Ledger newspaper titled ‘‘Mary infrequent. If the conversation ever turned and inexpensively select the most ca- Ann Mobley ‘never forgot her roots’ ’’ toward her own problems, Mobley would pable organization to provide the best be printed in the RECORD. laugh and find a way to quickly change the product or service at the best value to There being no objection, the mate- subject. Some of the memories stirred laughter. the government. The Small Business rial was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows: Such as the time Mobley was to perform at Office at Warner Robins, in their at- Brandon High School but the family car tempt to carry out the Air Forces’ [From the Clarion-Ledger, Dec. 11, 2014] wouldn’t crank. Her mother saddled a horse broader goal of increasing small busi- MARY ANN MOBLEY ‘NEVER FORGOT HER for the 5–mile ride, and she and Mary Ann nesses participation, is jeopardizing ROOTS’ made it there in time. the very survival of institutions pro- (By Billy Watkins) And the night Brandon folks danced in the vided for and protected by the FAR. They danced in the streets of Brandon the street, the celebration spread to the capital By selectively applying the FAR ex- night one of their own, Mary Ann Mobley, city. A few town residents decided it would ceptions, the Air Force is ignoring the was crowned the 1959 Miss America. be a good idea to take the volunteer fire de- ‘‘That’s not just a saying, that’s a fact,’’ partment’s truck and drive it up and down intent of the acquisition regulations. It Jackson’s Capitol Street with the siren is certain to destroy these few vital said Waymon Tigrett, 70, who grew up with Mobley and has owned Brandon Discount blaring. Jackson police eventually tired of educational links between academic in- the racket and impounded the truck. stitutions and government engineers Drugs the past 46 years. ‘‘They put a jukebox out by the statue in the middle of Main Mobley also became a filmmaker, pro- that need that level of expertise. More Street, ran an extension cord out to it and ducing documentaries in Cambodia, Ethi- importantly, by ignoring FAR Excep- that thing blared music all night. People opia, Mozambique, Somalia, Kenya, tion Three, the government is limiting danced and carried on for hours. It was a Zimbabwe and the Sudan. its ability to pursue the best solutions true celebration. Mobley’s husband of 45 years, TV person- at the best price. We can ill-afford such ‘‘You have to remember, Brandon was only ality , died in 2012. The couple about 2,000 people back then. It was a small, had one daughter, Clancy Collins-White. consequences in this period of eco- Collins-White phoned friends Tuesday in isolated town. And all of a sudden, a girl we nomic austerity, simply in the name of Brandon to tell them of Mobley’s death. all know is on television and winning Miss fostering the growth of small busi- Three other Mississippians have won the America. That was a huge deal back then. nesses. Miss America crown: of And still is to us.’’ I was encouraged in September when Natchez, 1960; of Ackerman, Mobley, Mississippi’s first Miss America, 1980; and of Meridian, 1986.∑ the Air Force took a step in the right died Tuesday after a long battle with breast direction with their approval of a Jus- cancer. She was 77. f tification and Approval, J&A, for the Services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Christ RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL use of other than full and open com- United Methodist Church in Jackson. Visita- FINALS RODEO petition for an engineering, research tion will be Sunday from 4–6 p.m. at Park- and development contract in support of way Funeral Home in Ridgeland. ∑ Mr. HELLER. Madam President, technologies and methodologies appli- Mobley won the crown in September 1958, today I wish to recognize the annual cable to aging aircraft and support the same year she graduated from the Uni- National Finals Rodeo, which takes equipment. The contract will maintain versity of Mississippi. place at the Thomas & Mack Center on ‘‘She never forgot her roots, where she the campus of the University of Ne- essential engineering, research, and de- came from,’’ said Tigrett, who lived four velopment capabilities at Robins AFB houses down from Mobley on what is known vada, Las Vegas. The National Finals through support provided by MERC. now as Mary Ann Drive. ‘‘Rankin County Rodeo has been held in Las Vegas for I am hopeful this recent development used to own Rankin , and the past 30 years of the event’s 55 year is indicative of a new way of doing we had a big benefit every year, Affair of the history. Often noted as the foremost

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:58 Dec 13, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11DE6.166 S11DEPT3 rfrederick on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 11, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6689 championship rodeo event in the candidate for State treasurer after the and the people of Maine connected United States, I, along with my fellow retirement of Treasurer Seale. Upon through reliable phone and Internet Nevadans, am proud that it has called being sworn in as treasurer in 1999, he services. In my administration—just as the Silver State home for so many began to tirelessly devote his efforts to he does today—Tom performed those years. the people of Nevada. He created the tasks and so much more with out- The National Finals Rodeo was es- Nevada college savings plans, and was standing acumen, keen judgment, and, tablished in 1958 by the Professional responsible for the successful rollout I might add, with one eye always to- Rodeo Cowboys Association in order to and administration of the Governor wards the future. In fact, it is no exag- determine the world champions in var- Guinn Millennium Scholarship. Under geration to say that Tom, perhaps ious events from bull riding to tie- his leadership, Nevada saw its first up- more than anyone else across the down roping. First held in Dallas in grade in credit ratings in nearly 30 State, played a pivotal role in ushering 1959, the National Finals Rodeo was years. Maine’s public utilities into the 21st held in many different cities until 1984, After serving 8 years as treasurer, he century. when Las Vegas became its permanent sought the lieutenant governorship in A generation of Maine’s young minds home. An integral part of the Las 2006 and won by a sizeable margin. Dur- can thank Tom for laying the ground- Vegas community for 30 years, the Na- ing Lieutenant Governor Krolicki’s work that hastened their journey into tional Finals Rodeo has brought more two terms of service, he has ably fo- the digital age. Tom recognized early than 170,000 fans annually to see some cused on advancing the Silver State’s on that the Internet was quickly evolv- of our Nation’s toughest cowboys and tourism industry all over the Nation ing into a more dynamic and powerful cowgirls compete in 10 days of competi- and around the globe. Lieutenant Gov- tool that, when placed in the hands of tion. This event has become a yearly ernor Krolicki has served as chairman our students and our communities, tradition not only for Nevadans, but of the Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coali- could become a catalyst for digital for people across the nation and the tion since 2006, and is actively fighting learning, a driver of economic growth, world. As rodeo lovers and horse enthu- for northern Nevada to host the 2026 and an architect of intra-personal con- siasts, my wife Lynne and I were Olympic Games. This year, my wife nections that were no longer limited by thrilled to attend this year’s event. Lynne and I were honored to partici- geographic constraints. With that im- The National Finals Rodeo offers Ne- pate in Nevada’s 150th anniversary mense potential in mind, he worked vadans and rodeo goers nationwide a celebrations. As chairman of the Ne- tirelessly to implement the Federal E- place to truly experience the gritty, vada Sesquicentennial Commission Rate program, which delivered Internet energetic entertainment the Wild West that successfully carried out over 500 access to schools and libraries across is best known for. In one of the hardest events, Lieutenant Governor Krolicki the State—and with that newfound hit regions during the recession, this has once more shown his dedication to Internet access, he delivered new and event plays an integral role in Ne- the State of Nevada. unprecedented opportunities to people vada’s tourism economy. Tourism con- As a devoted husband and proud fa- all across Maine, an achievement so tinues to be a prominent economic ther to three girls, Lieutenant Gov- fundamental and so critical to our driver within the Silver State, and I ernor Krolicki stands as a shining ex- daily lives that it simply cannot be un- am thrilled to learn this event will be ample of someone who has dedicated derstated. As high energy prices across Maine a part of the Las Vegas community his life to serving his community. I am continued to weigh heavily on the through 2024. grateful for his dedication and commit- pockets and minds of people across the I ask my colleagues to join me and ment to the people of the State of Ne- State, Tom endeavored mightily to de- all Nevadans in recognizing the Na- vada. He exemplifies the highest stand- regulate Maine’s electric industry to tional Finals Rodeo, a special event ards of leadership and community serv- lower energy prices, and most recently, that has proudly called Las Vegas ice and should be proud of his long and he lead the charge to expand natural home for the past 30 years, and I would meaningful career. Today, I ask that gas capacity throughout the region. like to offer the best of luck to all who all of my colleagues join me in thank- ∑ In conclusion, I should point out that are participating in this year’s events. ing Lieutenant Governor Krolicki for I often to refer to Tom as ‘‘SMIM’’— f his service to the Silver State and I the Smartest Maine in Maine. He pos- offer my deepest appreciation for all TRIBUTE TO BRIAN KROLICKI sesses a vast knowledge of law and pub- that he has done to make Nevada an ∑ Mr. HELLER: Madam President, I lic policy that is matched by very few even better place. I offer my best wish- and that has helped inform and shape wish to congratulate Lieutenant Gov- es for many successful and fulfilling ernor Brian Krolicki, of Stateline, for Maine’s telecommunications and en- years to come.∑ ergy framework for nearly a decade. In- his decades of service to the State of f deed, one would be hard-pressed to find Nevada. After most recently serving as an individual with a deeper under- Nevada’s lieutenant governor for 8 TRIBUTE TO MR. THOMAS WELCH standing of our State’s public utilities years, he will be retiring on January 5, ∑ Mr. KING. Madam President, I wish infrastructure. But perhaps more im- 2015. It gives me great pleasure to con- to honor the career of a dear friend and portant is his genuine ability to teach gratulate my friend and colleague on former colleague, Mr. Thomas Welch, and share that knowledge with others. his 24 years of hard work and dedica- who is set to retire this year as Chair- These characteristics not only make tion to the Silver State. man of the Maine Public Utilities Com- Tom a remarkable public servant, but While serving as Nevada’s Secretary mission. Tom’s tremendous 35-year ca- a valued role model as well. of State, I came to know Lieutenant reer bridged both the public and pri- I, of course, am saddened to see Tom Governor Krolicki not only as a trust- vate sectors and has always been de- enter retirement because his departure ed colleague, but also as a dear friend. fined by a steadfast dedication to serv- will be a loss for Maine—but, I, along While attending Stanford University, ice and, of course, an unwavering love with the people of Maine, am forever Lieutenant Governor Krolicki fell in for the State of Maine. grateful for his many years of service love with Lake Tahoe, NV. After earn- As Governor, I had the privilege of on behalf of our state. ing a bachelor’s degree in political calling on Tom to lead the Maine Pub- Tom, congratulations and thank you. science, he moved to Nevada. While lic Utilities Commission, also known I hope your retirement is as restful and maintaining his Silver State residence, as the MPUC, and that is the same po- relaxing as it is well-deserved.∑ he went on to become an investment sition that he was again nominated for f banker in New York City and San and currently holds under Governor Francisco. Lieutenant Governor Paul LePage. TRIBUTE TO KATHERINE GRANT- Krolicki’s public service career began Serving as Chairman of the MPUC is, DAVIS in 1990 when he was tapped to serve as at times, a thankless job, but it is also ∑ Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam President, I chief deputy treasurer to then-State one of monumental importance. Tom’s am honored to recognize Ms. Katherine treasurer Bob Seale. His many years of job is central to keeping the lights on, Grant-Davis on the occasion of her re- financial experience made him an ideal the water flowing, the heat coming, tirement from the New Jersey Primary

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