Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to express warm thanks, congratulations, wishes to Allen E. Johnson, upon his retirement as the city manager of the city of Roseville. His vision and managerial skills have helped develop one of the most pleasant, balanced, well-run communities in California.

After achieving a bachelor of science degree from California State University, Sacramento in 1976, Al began a career in public administration as a personnel analyst for the County of Yuba. Within a few short years, he became director of personnel for Yuba City, where he served from 1979 to 1983. Then, in September 1983, he began a nearly 20-year tenure with the city of Roseville. Rising from director of personnel to administrative services director to city manager, Al has had a significant and lasting impact on the direction in which Roseville has developed.

Most recently, he managed the city's day-to-day operations, its $300 million budget, and 1,000 employees. He has overseen the city-owned electric operation which weathered California's energy crisis better than most utilities in the state. Additionally, he has guided the proactive expansion of regional wastewater treatment facilities and improvements to local flood control capabilities. Perhaps most importantly, he negotiated agreements for and led the implementation of nine specific plan developments ranging from 500 to 3,000 acres in scope. It is fair to say that he has left lasting fingerprints on the shape and character of the city of Roseville.

Roseville has experienced dynamic growth during Al's tenure. Under his steady leadership, the city has developed several outstanding public amenities, including the recently-dedicated Roseville Civic Center, the new Police Department headquarters, the Roseville Aquatics Center, the Roseville Sports Center, the Woodcreek Oaks Golf Course, and numerous parks and transportation improvements. In addition to the fine city projects which he oversaw, Al has also helped to create an environment in Roseville that fosters high levels of private investment. Perhaps the most recognizable example of this pro-business attitude he helped foster is the 1. 12 million square foot regional mall, known as the Roseville Galleria, which opened in the year 2000. Due to this aggressive economic development and contrary to previous history, the city is now regarded as one of the Sacramento region's premier retail centers and dining destinations.

Noted for his leadership in regional public policy discussions, such as the recent local debate over sales tax revenue distribution, Al has shared his expertise and experience through numerous presentations to public forums, training sessions, and professional conferences. He is also an active member of several professional organizations.

Beyond his professional capacity, Al Johnson has also contributed much to the community through his involvement in various civic and charitable organizations. Among these are the Roseville Chamber of Commerce, Roseville Host Lions Club, the United Way Leadership Council, and the Association for Retarded Citizens.

Roseville, which was once a sleepy railroad town, is now a vibrant, well-planned community with award-winning parks, law enforcement, and city management. It is home to nationally-recognized, high-performing public schools. Its railroad past blends with its newer high-tech industry and thriving commercial centers. Its residential areas include dynamic new developments as well as historic neighborhoods. Despite its increasing affluence, the community has also met its affordable housing needs. In short, Roseville is a model community with a high quality of life and a bright horizon. The clear vision, tough negotiation, and consistent leadership of Al Johnson are a large part of the reason why.

I thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I offer a resolution (H. Res. 70) and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, I too join my colleague from California (Mr. Dreier). I do not know personally Mr. Estrada, but I understand he is considered to be quite outstanding by all those who have known him. It is remarkable. It is also my understanding that at the age of 17 he came from Honduras and had very limited English abilities, and then he ended up going to a university and graduating from Harvard Law School magna cum laude and served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review. He was, I understand, an official in the Clinton administration, actually in the Solicitor General's office and has support from former Clinton administration people and has support from, I believe, the past six or seven Solicitors General of the United States. Truly a premiere candidate to serve in this important U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. circuit.

I just wanted to register my support for this individual, someone who is very outstanding, a great American, the first Hispanic to be appointed to the court of appeals. It would be outstanding, Madam Speaker, and I appreciate the opportunity to voice my support for him today.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to express warm thanks and congratulations to Claudia Gamar, the outgoing mayor of the City of Roseville, upon her retirement from the city council. After nine busy years of service on the council, including two terms as mayor, Claudia is able to enjoy private life once again.

Following her studies in journalism and business at the University of Nevada, Reno, and the Reno Business College, Claudia embarked on a business career by directing client relations and convention booking at various hotels and casinos in Reno. In 1980, she came to Roseville, California, as the owner and operator of Gamar & Associates, a marketing and public relations firm.

Since that time, Claudia has been a prominent part of Roseville's community fabric. Her civic involvement is manifest in her participation with numerous boards, commissions, business organizations, service clubs, and charitable causes. Most significantly, she committed herself to the sacrifices required of public officials when she was elected to the Roseville City Council in 1993.

Roseville has experienced the most dynamic phase of its history during Claudia's tenure. Under her leadership, the city has developed several outstanding public amenities, including the recently-dedicated Roseville Civic Center, the new Police Department headquarters, the Roseville Aquatics Center, the Roseville Sports Center, the Woodcreek Oaks Golf Course, and numerous parks. In addition to the fine city projects to which she contributed, Claudia has also helped to create an environment in Roseville that fosters high levels of private investment. For example, she personally traveled to Japan three times to meet with NEC officials regarding the company's $1 billion of assets in Roseville. Perhaps the most recognizable example of this probusiness attitude she helped foster is the 1.12 million square foot regional mall, known as the Roseville Galleria, which opened in the year 2000. Due to this aggressive economic development, the city is now regarded as one of the Sacramento region's premier retail centers and dining destinations.

Roseville, which was once a sleepy railroad town, is now a vibrant, well-planned community with award-winning parks, law enforcement, and city management. It is home to nationally-recognized, high-performing public schools. Its railroad past blends with its newer high-tech industry and thriving commercial centers. Its residential areas include dynamic new developments as well as historic neighborhoods. In short, Roseville is a model community with a bright horizon. My good friend Claudia Gamar is part of the reason why.

I join with a grateful community to thank her for her efforts. Now that she is somewhat removed from the immediate glare of public scrutiny, demands on her time, and strains on her privacy and family life, may she and her husband, Bill, find fulfillment in the quality of life she helped generate.