September 23, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 165 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page S5827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO TOMMY TURNER

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, when my friend Tommy Turner was first 
elected to lead LaRue County in 1985, he was the youngest Kentuckian to 
ever serve as a county judge-executive. Now, 35 years later, Tommy 
recently announced he would leave office as our Commonwealth's longest 
currently serving county leader. Records bookend his service, and more 
accomplishments fill the years between. I would like to take a moment 
to congratulate Tommy on his decades of leadership for LaRue County and 
to thank him for his many contributions to Kentucky.
  Every county judge-executive is responsible for local services such 
as the county's budget and road maintenance. As LaRue County's leader, 
however, Tommy was given an additional--almost sacred--charge. He 
helped preserve the birthplace of our most famous Kentuckian, Abraham 
Lincoln. Tommy took seriously his role in honoring Lincoln, and 
Kentucky will continue to benefit from his enthusiasm for our Nation's 
16th President.
  Along with a group of motivated citizens, Tommy helped establish the 
Lincoln Museum in Hodgenville. In a typical year, thousands of tourists 
will visit the museum and the nearby Abraham Lincoln National 
Historical Park. Tommy championed an effort to expand the National Park 
by coordinating a donation to include Lincoln's Boyhood Home on Knob 
Creek. This year, Kentucky Living Magazine named the Lincoln Museum as 
the Commonwealth's Best Museum, a well-deserved distinction for their 
efforts to safeguard the Great Emancipator's legacy.
  In 2000, Congress created the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission 
to prepare national celebrations for the President's 200th birthday. 
Recommended by Kentucky's Governor at the time and appointed by the 
President, Tommy was a fine choice to serve as a commissioner. 
Hodgenville would later host the celebration's National Opening 
Ceremony and lead the country in honoring President Lincoln.
  Over the years, I have worked with Tommy to preserve Lincoln's 
heritage in LaRue County and to deliver for the community's bright 
future. It has also been a privilege to join Tommy's radio show to 
speak directly with local families about their priorities and my work 
for Kentucky in the Senate.
  Tommy spent half of his life as LaRue County's judge-executive. The 
results of his leadership can be seen across the county in its growth 
and opportunity. I would like to encourage my Senate colleagues to join 
me in thanking Tommy for his service and for preserving the memory of 
one of our country's greatest leaders. In whatever comes next for 
Tommy, I wish him the best. I look forward to his continued 
contributions to our great Commonwealth.

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