U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) honored Mercer and Monroe counties, which were recognized by America's Promise Alliance as two of the Nation's "100 Best Communities for Youth" for 2008 in the Congressional Record Tuesday.

America's Promise Alliance, the nation's largest alliance dedicated to children and youth, has recognized the top 100 outstanding communities across America-large and small, rural and urban-that are the best places for young people to live and grow up. More than 300 communities in all 50 states applied for the honor this year. This is the third such award for Mercer County and the second award for Monroe County, both of which were also honored last year.

Text of the Congressman's remarks as they appear in the Congressional Record follows:


EXTENSION OF REMARKS

Honorable Nick J. Rahall, II

Of West Virginia

In the House of Representatives

Recognition of Mercer and Monroe Counties as Best Communities for Youth

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Madam Speaker,

I rise today in recognition of two counties in my District, Mercer and Monroe, which have again received the honor as two of the nation's "100 Best Communities for Youth 2008" by America's Promise Alliance. This is the third such award for Mercer County and the second award for Monroe County, both of which were also honored last year.

These counties competed against 750 participants from more than 300 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, who were all vying for this unique distinction.

This award is well-deserved, as these communities have dedicated themselves to fostering a healthy, safe and caring environment for our young people. I share this vision and am deeply honored to once again have the only two localities in West Virginia recognized located in my district.

I pledge to continue my work to make the communities in the Third District a healthy and nurturing environment for our children, by supporting legislation and programs that will keep our children safe. Last year, I supported full funding of both the Drug Free Communities grant program and the Safe and Drug Free Schools Program against the budget cuts recommend by the Administration. These programs make a visible difference in our communities and are invaluable when it comes to preventing and reducing substance abuse, particularly with our teenagers and young adults.

While these programs are effective, it is by far not the end of our work. As the folks of Mercer and Monroe counties can attest, we must not waver from our commitment to our youth. As much as we accomplish, we must strive to do better.

West Virginia native and renowned author Pearl S. Buck once said, "If our American way of life fails the child, it fails us all."

These are words to live by, words that Mercer and Monroe counties have once again proven they are living by everyday. I again commend the entire community- the teachers, the civic leaders, the parents and the children as well, who are all so very bright- for the hard work they have done and continue to do.

I encourage other communities in the Third District and across West Virginia and our Nation to follow the fine example set by Mercer and Monroe Counties in showing what it means to keep America's promise to our young people. As America's Promise Alliance said, "It is our hope that these 100 Best inspire communities across the country to create environments where children and families have boundless opportunities."