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Obama invites mayor of Greensburg to party
Published 12/11/2009 in Local News
By EDIE ROSS
Special to The Telegram
Two and a half years ago, the idea that he would ever attend a White House Christmas party would have been unthinkable to Greensburg Mayor Bob Dixson.
But as with everything, the May 4, 2007, tornado that devastated the southwestern Kansas town changed all that.
The devastation, recovery and rebuilding process of the town have drawn the attention of two White House administrations.
So, when Dixson learned earlier this month that he and his wife, Ann, would be invited to one of President Barack Obama's Christmas receptions at the White House, it wasn't quite as unthinkable as it would have been before the tornado.
Still, Dixson says he's humbled at the "extreme honor" the invitation carries. And, he's excited to have the opportunity to represent Greensburg, Kiowa County and southwest Kansas in Washington.
"It is the citizens of Greensburg and Kiowa County who are being recognized by the White House with this invitation," Dixson said. "This is a tremendous opportunity to represent them."
The Dixsons will fly into Washington, D.C., on Sunday and attend a Christmas reception Monday before returning to Greensburg on Tuesday.
This will be Bob Dixson's second trip to Washington at the request of President Obama. In February, he was invited to sit in first lady Michelle Obama's box during the president's address to a joint session of Congress.
Greensburg City Administrator Steve Hewitt also has been the guest of a different first lady. Hewitt was invited to sit in Laura Bush's box during former President George W. Bush's State of the Union Address in January 2008.
Bush also made two visits to Greensburg -- the first just days after the tornado and the second to give the commencement address at the Greensburg High School graduation, which fell on the one-year anniversary of the tornado.
Dixson said he believes Greensburg's "story" is what gains the community notoriety, not any one citizen or group.
"Seeing that two different administrations have been interested in what is happening in Greensburg kind of shows that what we're doing here transcends politics," he said. "It's about hope and good news and community. It's about our story."
Dixson said that before the White House reception, he plans to meet with the Kansas congressional delegation to talk about bringing more green jobs to the region.
Found 1 comment(s)!
Mayor of Greensburg invited to White House party.
This shows that our president has CLASS!!!! To invite someone from a state that did not vote for him, is REAL CLASS!!!!
Posted by: Sharon Edwards on 12/11/2009
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