Uncommon Public Service Award 2009 Recipients
Tim Walch, Sen. Dennis Black, Gov. Robert Ray, Rep. Jeff Kaufmann, Becky Allgood, Cheryl Schreier.
2009 Uncommon Public Service Awards
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association awarded the third annual Hoover Uncommon Public Service Award to State Senator Dennis Black (D, Newton) and State Representative Jeff Kaufmann (R, Wilton) in a ceremony at the State Capitol Building in Des Moines, on Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Former Governor Robert Ray announced the winners of the award, recognizing one representative and one senator who have demonstrated uncommon public service to Iowans.
The award commemorates Iowa native Herbert Hoover, 31st president of the United States, and honors his unwavering commitment to public service and volunteerism. The award takes its name from a 1948 speech in which Hoover said, "Let us remember that the great human advances have not been brought about by distinctly mediocre men and women. They were brought about by distinctly uncommon people with vital sparks of leadership."
Black and Kaufmann were chosen for their "sparks of leadership."
Black is serving his fourth term in the Senate, representing District 21, including parts of Polk County and all of Jasper County. He previously served six terms in the Iowa House of Representatives.
Senator Black is an advocate for Iowa's environment. He has helped clean up Iowa's air and water and championed recreational opportunities to improve our quality of life.
He served as director of the Jasper County Conservation Board for 35 years and has authored many resource management publications. He has shown strong international leadership, assisting in bringing Iowa to the world, highlighting the need for improved agricultural trade.
Senator Black has received numerous awards for his tireless efforts to improve, preserve and enhance our environment, improve public acceptance of Iowans of foreign birth, and enhance the cultural and trade opportunities between Iowa and other nations.
Representative Jeff Kaufmann represents District 79 in eastern Iowa. First elected in 2004, Kaufmann is a teacher and farmer, with a passionate interest in preserving Iowa history. Currently a history and government educator at Muscatine Community College, Kaufmann is an active member of the Cedar County Historical Society and has received state awards for aiding in preserving local history.
He communicates regularly with his constituents through newspaper columns and e-mail messages, explaining complicated issues before the House of Representatives. As a member of the Farm Bureau, Pheasants Forever, Friends of the American Legion and National Heritage Association, he combines his professional and legislative interests with volunteer work.
Kaufmann is Assistant Minority Leader of the House and serves on five regular committees. He personifies the best of young leadership on the local and state level.