Press Release 

For Release:  December 30, 2003

Thanks given for “Thankless Job”

Being and Elected or Appointed official can prove to be a difficult and often thankless job.

“America’s cities, towns and villages are suffering from decreasing revenues and increasing expenses and their leaders are facing incredible challenges. We realize that its difficult to find creative ways to continue to provide the level of services citizens have grown to expect without raising taxes. We also understand the incredible demands that are placed on America’s elected and appointed officials and unfortunately how their positive achievements often go unrecognized.” states Kerry Lauricella, former Councilman from Harahan, Louisiana (population 10,000) and current Executive Director of The National Association of Cities.

In an attempt to recognize the positive accomplishments of America’s elected and appointed officials, the National Association of Cities has conducted a national contest and has selected an outstanding Elected Official & Appointed Official of the Year. The National Association of Cities represents over 10,000 municipalities. The winners were chosen based on their creative methods of providing the highest quality of life for the people they represent.

The 2003 Elected Official of the Year is Mayor Judi Kirkpatrick from Jewett, Texas (population 868). Judi is currently serving her second term as Mayor of the City of Jewett. During her tenure she has been instrumental in securing grants for the City –a Wastewater Grant and a Building and Planning Grant. Judi is innovative and has a great imagination for ways and means to bring advancements and improvements to her community. Mayor Kirkpatrick has conducted an on-going beautification program and has held fundraisers for new Christmas Decorations for the main thoroughfare through Jewett. In addition to being Mayor, Judi holds down a full-time job as Secretary for the Concord-Robbins Water District, acts as bookkeeper for a local construction company and owns and operates a dance school. She is also a Sunday school teacher and serves as Secretary of the Ladies Auxiliary.

The 2003 Appointed Official of the Year is Judge Dean Moore from Hawley, Texas (population 646). Judge Moore is a municipal judge and helped to accommodate those needing community service by establishing an Adopt-A-Highway program to improve a 2-mile stretch from her city limits. As a judge, she has proven to be consistent, compassionate, knowledgeable, ethical, considerate, and yet firm. Judge Moore is also a well-loved grandmother.

The National Association of Cities is proud to recognize the positive efforts of these individuals along with the many other elected and appointed officials across America. A complete profile of the winners may be seen online @ www.buildingamerica.org.

The National Association of Cities (NAC) represents over 10,000 cities, towns and villages with populations of 50,000 or less. The NAC’s primary effort is assisting municipalities with economic development and spearheading programs such as the “Building America Program” (www.buildingamerica.org).