[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 16, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING PROSPER MAYOR RAY SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VAN TAYLOR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 16, 2022

  Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Ray Smith as he 
prepares to depart his longtime service as the steadfast Mayor of 
Prosper, Texas.
  A 1981 graduate of Baylor University, Ray earned a Bachelor of 
Business Administration in Marketing and Real Estate. During his time 
at Baylor, Ray, the son of a former Dallas Cowboy, would passionately 
pursue football as a member of the renowned 1980 Southwest Conference 
Champion Football Team.
  Smith began his career in public service in Frisco, Texas where he 
served as a member of the City Council, Economic Development 
Corporation, Community Development Corporation, Planning & Zoning 
Board, Frisco Education Foundation, and as a volunteer firefighter 
during a period of unprecedented growth.
  In 2004, Ray was appointed the President of the Prosper Economic 
Development Corporation where he continues to serve as council liaison. 
In 2005, Ray and his family would relocate to the Town of Prosper where 
he would plant deep roots and play an integral role in the town's early 
development. Following his service on Town Council, Ray was elected 
Mayor in 2010.
  Over the past twelve years, Mayor Smith's leadership has helped 
cultivate the town's rapid but intentional growth. By managing the town 
in a manner that focuses on the long-term wellbeing of its residents, 
Smith has worked to implement needed structural improvements while 
preserving neighborhood greenspace. During his tenue, the community has 
tripled in growth, and new residents are frequently known to receive 
Smith's personally signed welcome letter--a trademark of the affable 
leader.
  In addition to his many leadership roles on numerous boards, 
councils, and committees, in 2016 Ray was elected to serve on the North 
Central Texas Council of Governments Executive Board and was elected 
President of the Board in 2020. He is currently the Chair of the Collin 
College Foundation Board of Directors, a member of the Meals on Wheels 
of Collin County Advisory Board, and an Alternate Member of the 
Regional Transportation Council.
  While Ray's many efforts have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on 
the region, his greatest achievement is his family. Ray and his wife of 
31 years, Lena, were blessed with three sons and two grandsons, Jacob 
and Jackson, whom they are helping to raise.
  Ray Smith has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the Prosper 
community, and while his tenure as Mayor is coming to a close, he will 
certainly continue to forge a tremendous legacy. As he prepares to 
begin a new chapter of his life, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House 
of Representatives to join me in recognizing Ray Smith for his selfless 
and dedicated service.

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