Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
[WASHINGTON D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced legislation to rename the U.S. Post Office facility located at 303 E. Mississippi Ave. in Elwood, Illinois, after former Will County Executive Lawrence M. “Larry” Walsh, Sr. U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives
“Larry Walsh’s decades-long commitment to serving Illinoisans was commendable, and I’m proud to introduce this legislation alongside my colleagues to help ensure his memory is honored,” said Duckworth. I’ll continue to help ensure that Illinois’s hometown heroes are rightfully honored.”
“Larry devoted 50 years of his life to serving ‘the folks back home.’ He was a bridge-builder with inexhaustible patience in finding common ground in order to make government work for the people. He is a shining example of what a public servant should be,” said Durbin. “His legacy should be honored, and with this legislation, I hope to see the Elwood Post Office renamed in commemoration of his years of service.”
“Larry’s passion for public service and dedication to his neighbors was apparent every time I met with him, and I know his legacy will serve as inspiration to many,” Foster said. “Simply put, Will County is a better place today because of the decades of work Larry did to strengthen Will County communities and lend a helping hand to those who needed one. I was proud to introduce legislation last year in the House to rename the post office in his hometown of Elwood in his honor, and I’m looking forward to working with Senator Durbin and Senator Duckworth to get it done.”
A longtime farmer, Walsh began his political career in 1970, at the age of 21, when he was elected to the Elwood School Board. Three years later, he was elected as Jackson Township Supervisor and served in the position until December 2004. During his career, he also served on the Will County Board in 1974 and 1992, and in the Illinois State Senate from April 1997 to 2005. He finished out his tenure in public office as Will County Executive.
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