Political Quotes

“I rise today to honor Tony Petkovsek, who will be inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame on August 3, 2013. Mr. Petkovsek has devoted his life's work to cultivating Cleveland-Slovenian music and culture, most notably by hosting the longest running daily radio show in the world. Growing up in Cleveland's St. Clair neighborhood, Mr. Petkovsek was immersed in Slovenian culture from a young age. After completing college and broadcasting school, he began producing and broadcasting his own radio shows on Cleveland's WXEN, on November 23, 1961, which was Thanksgiving Day. Since 1962, his show has been broadcasted daily. Mr. Petkovsek is one of the most prominent ambassadors of Cleveland- style polka both locally and nationally. In 1967, he originated the Polka Tour at Kollander World Travel, which has since taken thousands of polka fans all over the world. His annual Thanksgiving celebration evolved from a dance in 1963 to a national focal point of Cleveland- style polkas, attracting polka fans from all over America to join the festivities. Mr. Petkovsek was instrumental in founding the United Slovenian Society, the Cleveland-Slovenian Radio Club, the East 185th Street Business Association, and the American Slovenian Polka Foundation. Notably, Mr. Petkovsek served on the Ohio Arts Council under Gov. George Voinovich. His contributions to Cleveland-style polka have been widely recognized over the years.…”