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Memorial to
honor civic leader Oliver "Punks" Smith passes House
HJM 4030 would rename 172nd overpass the "Oliver
'Punks' Smith Interchange"
A measure to establish a
memorial honoring the late Arlington-born civic leader Oliver “Punks”
Smith passed the House today.
House Joint Memorial 4030,
sponsored by Rep. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe, would designate the 172nd
Street North East overpass on Interstate 5 in Arlington as the “Oliver
‘Punks’ Smith Interchange.”
“It’s only fitting to have an overpass named in his honor because he was
the person who inspired and lead to the passage of the Transportation Relief Action Plan
to build the overpass,” said Pearson. “Not only did he work to make our
community better at the ground level, but he served us all in many
capacities. We knew he listened and acted in our best interest.”
Oliver Smith was born in Arlington in 1935 and was an active member of
the community until he passed away in 2006. Among the many
community acts he performed, said Pearson, most folks remember him for
serving on the City Council for 20 years.
“He deserves to have a permanent landmark that represents something he
worked so hard for and that reminds us all of his exceptional service to
our communities,” Pearson said.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer:
(360) 786-7252
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