MATTERS OF STATE

Sonny Montgomery sets example of public service at its finest

By Rex Buffington

Sonny Montgomery will leave Congress at the end of this year with an impressive list of accomplishments, an impeccable reputation, and a whole lot of friends who hate to see him go. Who could have imagined when he went to Washington 30 years ago that his leadership would mean so much to so many?

He has stood firm to ensure a strong national defense and has worked hard to bring jobs and prosperity to communities throughout his district. In fact, his influence can be seen in many projects throughout the state where he has willingly lent a helping hand. He has often been referred to as 'Mississippi's congressman at-large' because of his willingness to work for good not only in the Third Congressional District which he has represented, but throughout the state.

But Sonny Montgomery leaves a legacy of much more than a long list of legislative accomplishments. He leaves an example of public service at its finest. He has demonstrated that one can wield great power and influence on the national scene without losing focus on values such as honesty, integrity, and friendship.

Cynics would doubt that anyone could have achieved all that Sonny has without a lot of backroom wheeling and dealing. When the Meridian Naval Air Station miraculously survived a third challenge during the most recent round of military base closures, Sonny's influence was cited as the major factor. It was the major factor, but not because Sonny was cutting deals and currying favor in any underhanded or heavy-handed ways. It was because all of those responsible for making the decision knew that they could trust what Sonny said and what he stood for. They knew that if Sonny was making such a staunch stand for this military base in his hometown, there was merit to his case. Because of their personal admiration and affection for him, they were willing to look closely at the merits of the naval base in Meridian.

Sonny's reputation and his relationships have greatly benefited his state and all of the causes he has undertaken in Washington. A large degree of his effectiveness can be attributed to the trust he has earned from his colleagues.

In a time when too many people lose sight of the importance of relationships, Sonny has never been too busy to be a friend.

You only have to mention Sonny's name to one of his colleagues in Washington to elicit stories of what his friendship has meant. Sonny has not only built strong friendships himself, but has also helped his colleagues to build friendships with each other through the weekly prayer breakfast group where he has always been the one to bring forward the concerns of individual members who needed support and encouragement.

Sonny's friendship has extended to groups of people as well as to individuals. Sonny has been a friend to Mississippi, a friend to the men and women serving in the military, a friend to the veterans who have served our nation in the past, a friend to his colleagues in Congress, a friend to constituents in need, a friend to presidents, a friend to Mississippi State, a friend to the young, and a friend to the elderly. His care and concern have always been genuine, and the impact of his friendship has been great.

His personal friendships have been strong and enduring. His friendship with former President George Bush, which began when they were both freshmen members of Congress in 1966, endured through President Bush's White House years and remains strong.

From his days as a student at Mississippi State to his years of wielding great power and influence on Capitol Hill, Sonny Montgomery has retained his perspective. The fact that nearly everyone still calls him "Sonny" speaks volumes about him.

His presence will be sorely missed when a new Congress convenes in January. But he is leaving on his own terms with a promise to remain involved in national affairs. His influence will continue to be felt, and the power of his example looms large.

Let us hope that the students who come to Mississippi State in the years ahead as "Montgomery Scholars" to benefit from the scholarship program established in his name will also learn from his example. Perhaps their accomplishments will be an even larger legacy to the leadership of Sonny Montgomery-a true patriot, a true statesman, and a true friend.