DEMOCRATS TO HONOR FORMER CONGRESSMAN KENNETH GRAY

CHRISTOPHER, Ill. -- Former U.S. congressman Kenneth J. Gray will be honored Friday during the Franklin County Democrats' JFK Dinner at Coello Community Center northwest of Christopher.

Gray spent more than 24 years as Illinois' District 22 representative, from 1954 through 1974 and from 1984 through 1988.

"The Franklin County Democratic Party is honored to recognize and pay tribute to the long and distinguished career of our legendary former congressman Kenneth Gray," said state Sen. Jim Rea, chairman of the Franklin County Democratic Party. "Few public servants have compiled a record of accomplishments as numerous as congressman Gray."

Gray made constituent service and tending needs of Southern Illinois his foremost priority, said Rea. "He was renowned for his ability to bring badly-needed capital and infrastructure improvement to our area."

Known for his polka-dot bow tie and homespun humor, Gray worked with seven presidents from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Ronald Reagan. His office handled more than 1.2 million requests from constituents during his 12 terms. Gray cites more than 4,000 programs and projects completed and more than $7 billion having been spent on improvements in Southern Illinois during his time in office.

One of his biggest projects came prior to retirement in 1988: the $1 billion Olmsted Dam project, which will replace Dams 52 and 53 on the Ohio River. Gray and U.S. Rep. Carroll Hubbard, D-Ken., teamed up to introduce the dam project, which is under construction.

Gray first retired in 1974 due to health problems. Following surgery his health improved, and he returned to run for office when Paul Simon resigned to run for U.S. Senate in 1983. Gray won the primary race, then narrowly defeated Republican Randy Patchett in the general election. He defeated Patchett again in 1986 by a 53 to 47 percent margin.

"Kenneth Gray gave so much to the people of Southern Illinois while he was in Congress," said Rea. "I'm delighted that we give something back to him at our JFK Dinner.

Tickets are $15 per person and $25 per couple. Ticket information is available by calling (618)-724-4063.