Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Spencer Havlick, who next month will retire from membership on the Boulder, Colorado, City Council.

Elected to the council in 1982, Spence has had 21 years of distinguished public service.

Born in Oak Park, Illinois and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he received his B.A. Degree from Beloit College, his M.A. from the University of Colorado in limnology and his Ph.D. in environmental planning and water resource management from the University of Michigan.

He became the Assistant Dean and Director of the College of Environmental Design at the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1975. His research and teaching focus on natural hazard mitigation, the citizen's role in the planning process, and the impact of urbanization on the environment. He has written on ecology and design and is preparing another book on transportation management and traffic calming.

He has taught at the University of Michigan and Murdoch University in Western Australia, consulted for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Information Agency.

With this outstanding academic background, Spence has been a champion of the values that embody the spirit of Boulder. His commitment to defending these values made him a distinctive member of the council.

A passionate environmentalist, Spence had a two-decade struggle with transportation problems and worked diligently to promote public transportation, rail service between Denver and Boulder, bicycle paths, city open space and pedestrian walkways.

In his role as professor of environmental design at the University of Colorado, Spence encouraged his students to adopt Boulder's environmental values. He urged students to give up their cars, get more exercise and walk or use alternative transportation.

A top vote getter in all his elections, Spence promoted a strategy to find more affordable housing, worked on growth management, led the effort for the largest purchase of open space in the history of Boulder and worked to streamline the city's budget in tough economic times.

Spence's civic commitment is demonstrated through his service on the City Council Environmental and Transportation Committees, as an Eco- cycle block leader, and as a Commissioner for the Boulder Urban Renewal Authority.

The City Council of Boulder, Colorado, has been fortunate to have had Spencer Havlick as a member for the past 21 years. On behalf of Boulder's residents, I wish him well as he continues to pursue his commitment to a better community and state.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Francoise Poinsatte, a member of Boulder City Council, as she retires in November from her seat on the Council. I would like to thank her for the many contributions she has made to ensure that the City of Boulder remains a very special place to live.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Francoise received her teaching license in French and Fine Arts from the University of Colorado. She has taught in public schools in the Boulder Valley and in Jefferson and Douglas counties. She has been a member of the Transportation Advisory Board from 1993 to 1994, and has served on the Regional Transportation Task Force from 1997 to 1998.

Elected in 1999, at a time when the City of Boulder faced many challenges, Francoise tackled the issues of economic stability in declining budgetary times. Partnering with other council members, Francoise was able to increase the city's financial reserves from two to fourteen percent to prepare for unexpected financial crises.

As a former teacher, Poinsatte fought to support and expand strong educational and human service programs in the city, while keeping a close eye on the costs and quality of the services provided to the community. She has advocated for social and economic diversity, affordable housing, and improved facilities for the homeless.

Francoise's ongoing commitment to a healthy environment for Boulder's citizens made her a leader on alternative transportation options in the area, which included bike paths, walking trails, well-planned bus routes and citizen-friendly transportation plans. She has contributed to the vitality of downtown Boulder by her dedication to reducing traffic congestion, air pollution, and fuel consumption. Her city has recently been recognized nationally as one of the best workplaces for commuters.

Boulder is also known for being one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the United States, and Francoise and her colleagues on the Council enhanced this reputation through investment in additional open space, recycling programs, and a strong citizen education program. As a member of the Boulder Urban Renewal Authority, she has helped oversee plans for the development of the new St. Julien Hotel at 9th and Canyon, as well as the rejuvenation of Crossroads Mall.

With a keen sense of citizen responsibility and a talent for blending her past experience with a desire to serve the public good, Francoise Poinsatte has been an outstanding member of the Boulder City Council and city government. I ask my colleagues to join me in praising her public service, and I wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lisa Morzel, a retiring member of the Boulder, Colorado, City Council for her eight years of service to the Council and the community.

As a research geologist, Lisa has brought a great deal of knowledge about the topography of the Rocky Mountain region to complex land use decisions made by the Boulder City Council. She has also developed some expertise on the geology of Yellowstone National Park and the special volcanic dynamics of this region--especially the floor of Yellowstone Lake.

Her careful consideration of the development of many multi-faceted projects brought important insight to projects such as the development of a National Wildlife Refuge at the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons facility, which will benefit the region's citizens for decades to come.

Through a commitment to thoughtful resource allocation, Lisa and the Boulder City Council were able to increase the City's financial reserves from two to fourteen percent, to cover unexpected crises. This was a critical measure, as this will help the City get through this current difficult economic situation.

During her tenure on City Council, Lisa was a partner in creating many improvements for pedestrian access throughout the city. Boulder has one of the most environmentally conscientious communities in the county and with the enhancement of bike paths, hiking trails and open space, the city provides a citizen-friendly environment.

Lisa was also a leader in recycling, and supported creation of the Boulder County Recycling Center and other efforts to promote recycling. Due in part to her efforts nearly half of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills is now recycled.

Lisa is a strong proponent of affordable housing in the city, and encouraged the Council to adopt new policies to ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing in the community.

Lisa has already promised to remain involved in these and other important community issues after her term on Council ends. Her dedication to the city is to be commended. On behalf of Boulder's residents, I applaud Lisa for her years of commitment to public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Colorado Public Interest Research Group (CoPIRG) on the celebration of its 30th anniversary of operation in Colorado. This outstanding nonprofit organization has been recognized as one of the state's strongest grassroots groups devoted to advocacy, action and results.

In an effort to advocate for Colorado's citizens, CoPIRG's current programs focus on affordable health care, consumer protection, environmental advocacy, and the strengthening of our democracy.

The cost of health care and prescription drugs are soaring and senior citizens and the uninsured are paying a disproportionate share of their incomes for their basic health care needs. CoPIRG, through its surveys, is advocating for Congressional reforms and urging our state government to develop buying pools to benefit those on fixed incomes and without employment most impacted by these spiraling costs.

Coloradans have many areas where they need more personal and consumer protection. Through comprehensive reports each year prior to the holiday-giving season, Public Interest Groups across the nation have targeted unsafe toys in retail stores and on the Internet. For the past 17 years, these reports have led to over 100 recalls and prompted the passage of a federal toy labeling law in 1994.

Investor protections were highlighted last year when CoPIRG advocated for consumer privacy laws to protect credit card numbers from theft. This year, CoPIRG is working to strengthen laws governing the accounting industry in Colorado and increase funds for investigations and other reforms.

Targeting corporate fraud, a CoPIRG backed law helped create an independent oversight system to ensure that audit firms aren't subject to conflicts of interest. Through a research report, consumers can reduce their banking fees through better knowledge of industry charges. In 2001, predatory lending practices were exposed through CoPIRG's research, leading Colorado's Attorney General to file civil suits against offenders, the first such action in the nation. In another national first, Colorado passed a law to provide consumers with free annual credit reports upon request.

On the front lines of environmental and public health protection, CoPIRG has fought to strengthen air standards, reduce pollutants that cause global warming, smog and increase respiratory diseases such as asthma. In a campaign to keep our water clean and safe for drinking and recreation, PIRGs nationally are working to enforce toxic regulations on corporate violators.

In an effort to protect our nation's coastlines, Public Research Interest Groups across the nation are advocating to leave wilderness areas free from oil and gas drilling. As one of the country's largest source of pollution, fossil fuels continue to be harmful to the nation. PIRGs across the country are working to support the use of renewable sources of energy through education and advocacy. With the motto, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, CoPIRG and other affiliates are building environmentally sound alternatives to keep our nation clean and safe for all its citizens.

Fighting for Colorado's citizens, CoPIRG has partnered with Colorado Common Cause, the League of Women Voters of Colorado, the Colorado Environmental Coalition and other advocacy organizations to direct a county by county effort to expand voter participation through Colorado Citizens' Voice. Using training workshops, the coalition supports citizen involvement in government decisions and works for meaningful reform on critical issues.

Through comprehensive reports and releases, CoPIRG keeps voters informed of campaign contributions, compiles statistics on campaign financing trends and continuously advocates for campaign finance reform and the protection of initiative process in Colorado.

For the past thirty years, Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West has been the proud home of Colorado Public Interest Research Group. For their many accomplishments on behalf of its citizens, we commend their service and wish them many years of future success.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to rise today to recognize Rita Z. Schnidt of Arvada, Colorado for her decades of tireless volunteerism and political activism.

This September, Ms. Schnidt, or Rita Z. as many call her, was given the Eleanor Roosevelt Award by the Jefferson County Democrats for her outstanding achievements in her community. This award is not presented to just anyone. The honoree must display tremendous leadership, strong dedication to community issues, and years of activity in the Jefferson County Democratic Party. Not only does Rita have these qualities, but she has a very unique attitude that has been described by many who work with her as ``contagious enthusiasm.''

Ms. Schnidt began her political career in 1974 volunteering on the campaign of former Congressman and Senator Tim Wirth. Initially she became involved because she enjoyed talking with people and discussing important issues in her community. What started as simple campaign work soon grew into much more activism. By the end of the 70s, Rita had been elected as Secretary and Treasurer of her State Senate and State House district committee and began managing local campaigns.

As wonderful a campaign manager and volunteer as she was, Ms. Schnidt found that no political life can be complete without running for office. From 1977 to 1979, Ms. Schnidt served on the Arvada City Council. She also ran for her State House seat in 1982 and Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder in 1998.

There is no doubt that Rita Schnidt is an outstanding political figure in Jefferson County and the City of Arvada, but Rita's greatness and generosity did not stop after the November elections. During her years in Arvada she also served on the Board of Foothills Mental Health Foundation and acted as community liaison for the Arvada Police D.A.R.E. Project for drug awareness. In 1983, recognizing her outreach to the community and leadership skills, she was named Arvada Woman of the Year.

Through the years Rita Z. has been dedicated to basic principles of equality, diversity, and democracy. She remains an active member of city, county, and state politics. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise today in support of this year's Jefferson County Democrats Eleanor Roosevelt Award winner, Ms. Rita Z. Schnidt, an extraordinary volunteer and community leader, a great mother and grandmother, and a tremendous Coloradan.

Mr. Speaker, the Antiquities Act of 1906 is an old law, but it remains a vital tool for protection of special parts of the lands that belong to all Americans. So, I join with the Daily Sentinel of Grand Junction, Colorado, in applauding the decision of the Supreme Court to refuse to second-guess Presidential actions under its authority.

The newspaper, in an editorial published today, correctly points out that the Supreme Court's action ``not only preserved an important presidential executive prerogative but allowed critical protections to remain in place for important areas of the West.''

The editorial goes on to point out that Congress has acted to change the status of some of the National Monuments that Presidents have established under the Antiquities Act. As that makes clear, Congress retains the ultimate authority to revise or even revoke a President's action under the Act. For the information of our colleagues, here is the full text of the Daily Sentinel editorial

[From the Daily Sentinel]

Editorial: Antiquities Act Merited Supreme Court's Approval

When President Bill Clinton set about protecting large

chunks of the American West in the final days of his

administration by designating six new national monuments in

five states, the outgoing president ignited a firestorm of

criticism throughout the regions most directly affected by

the new designations. While the areas generally were

deserving of special protection, Clinton and his team

routinely acted without developing substantial support from

local citizens.

But the law that Clinton used to designate those

monuments--the Antiquities Act--remains a critical tool of

the U.S. presidency. There would be no Colorado National

Monument today were it not for the Antiquities Act, which

grants presidents the authority to make such designations

without seeking congressional approval. The Black Canyon of

the Gunnison National Park would not have been protected

originally as a national monument without the act, nor would

the Arches National Park near Moab. Both areas were national

monuments before Congress made them national parks. President

Theodore Roosevelt, the Republican Party's greatest

conservationist president, was the first to use the

authority.

Conservative and industry groups, including the Denver-

based Mountain States Legal Foundation, argued that Clinton

exceeded his constitutional authority in using the

Antiquities Act to designate the monuments.

But it wasn't Clinton who was listed as the defendant. It

was current President George W. Bush. And it was Bush's

conservative attorney, Theodore Olson, who defended Clinton's

authority and the Antiquities Act.

By refusing Monday to hear the case, the Supreme Court

upheld a decision by an appeals court in Washington, D.C.

that not only preserved an important presidential executive

prerogative but allowed critical protections to remain in

place for important areas of the West.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to call the attention of the House to recent recognition of Colorado's leadership in preserving significant parts of our state's colorful past.

As reported by the Denver Post, that recognition came in the form of awards by the National Trust for Historic Preservation related to four Colorado sites--the 1878 Central City Opera House and historic district, 1886 Beaumont Hotel in Ouray, the 1905 Kit Carson Carousel in Stratton and the 13th-century Ute Indian Porcupine House at the Ute Mountain Tribal Park in Towaoc.

I agree with Mr. Richard Moe, the President of the National Trust, who said, ``That Colorado was voted a total of four awards is a real

tribute to its preservation effort and to the Colorado Historical Fund.''

I am proud of our state's record of support for historic preservation, and particularly proud to represent Central City, one of the award winners.

For the information of our colleagues, here is the full story from the Denver Post:

Colorado Wins Four Preservation Awards--Honors Recognize Statewide

Efforts on Historic Sites

(By J. Sebastian Sinisi)

Colorado gained a national preservation spotlight at this

week's National Trust for Historic Preservation conference in

downtown Denver when four state sites received 2003

preservation awards.

The 1886 Beaumont Hotel in Ouray, the 1878 Central City

Opera House and historic district, the 1905 Kit Carson

Carousel in Stratton and the 13th-century Ute Indian

Porcupine House at the Ute Mountain Tribal Park in Towaoc

were the recipients.

``These awards are very carefully considered,'' said

Washington, D.C.-based National Trust president Richard Moe,

who noted that more than 100 sites were nominated this year.

``That Colorado was voted a total of four awards is a real

tribute to its preservation effort and to the Colorado

Historical Fund,'' he said.

No other state has garnered four awards in the same year in

the 25-year history of the preservation awards, said National

Trust senior vice president Peter Brink before an awards

ceremony Thursday evening.

Since 1993, the Colorado Historical Fund has distributed

nearly $130 million in gambling tax revenues to 2,400

preservation projects throughout the state.

One of Colorado's National Trust preservation awards lauded

a $4 million restoration of the Beaumont Hotel--neglected and

vandalized for 31 years--on Main Street in Ouray. The

renovation includes two restaurants and six commercial

spaces.

The award for that project was shared by owners Dan and

Mary King, High Peak Resources Inc. and the Andrews and

Anderson Architects firm.

A total of 21 awards nationwide were presented at the

ceremony at the 1929 Paramount Theatre.

Other Colorado awards went to the stabilized and restored

Porcupine House, one of hundreds of endangered Anasazi-era

ruins and dwellings inhabited roughly from A.D. 700 until the

Indians mysteriously left about 1350.

In Stratton, the nearly 100-year-old carousel was restored

to its original grandeur after a $2.5 million and 25-year

effort in a county with less than 8,000 residents.

The Trustee Emeritus Award for excellence in the

stewardship of historic sites went to the Central City Opera

House Association.

Launched in 1929 to preserve the miner-built edifice that

had fallen into disrepair, the association started opera

productions in 1932. In subsequent years, the association

bought and restored 30 buildings, including the four-story

Teller House hotel, as part of the Central City National

Landmark District.

The Teller's ``face on the barroom floor,'' painted in

1936, is one of the state's more popular tourist attractions.

Through funding distributed by the Colorado Historical

Fund, ``Colorado has been a model state not only in the West,

but nationwide, for bringing together public and private

preservation efforts,'' said Moe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Deborah Jin and to submit for the Record two recent articles from the Colorado Daily and the Washington Post describing these accomplishments. Dr. Jin is one of eighteen scholars chosen as MacArthur fellows, awards granted annually by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. 4a

Deborah Shiu-lan Jin is a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and a fellow at the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA), a joint institute of NIST and the University of Colorado.

Dr. Jin used lasers and magnetic traps to identify a new quantum gas by cooling a vapor of fermions--one of the two basic types of quantum particles--to a temperature less than a millionth of a degree above absolute zero. Her discovery was named one of the top ten scientific advances of the year in 1999 by the journal Science. Dr. Jin is internationally recognized as a major force in the world of extremely low temperature physics.

I am proud of Dr. Jin, and I am proud of the institutions she represents. Dr. Jin is one of four University of Colorado-Boulder professors who have received the MacArthur fellowship since it began in 1981. Her colleagues at JILA include Dr. Eric Cornell of NIST and Dr. Carl Weiman of the University of Colorado, who created a new state of matter, the Bose-Einstein condensate, in 1995 and won a Nobel Prize for their discovery two years ago. Clearly, Colorado's excellent institutions make it possible for scientists to conduct their path- breaking research.

Every year the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation rewards a small group of exceptionally creative individuals by naming them MacArthur Fellows. The foundation gives fellowship awards to those individuals who are pursuing unique approaches to their fields of study and those taking intellectual, scientific, and cultural risks.

Clearly, these criteria describe NIST's awardee Dr. Jin, who has broken new ground in her field. Dr. Jin is an incredibly talented and driven scientist who is regarded with great esteem by her colleagues, one of whom predicted that Dr. Jin has what it takes to be one of the most innovative scientists of the century. I am certain that the foundation made an excellent choice in awarding Dr. Jin this prestigious fellowship. I am honored to represent such an exemplary individual.

[From the Colorado Daily, Oct. 7, 2003]

CU Professor Scoops the Genius Grant

(By Sarah-Jane Wilton)

Imagine being given a check for $500,000 and being told to

go spend it however you choose, with no strings attached. For

CU adjoint assistant professor Deborah Jin, winning a

MacArthur fellowship means just that.

The announcement came Sunday that Jin is among the 18 elite

winners of the 2003 award, which annually honors talented

individuals who have had ``extraordinary originality and

dedication from their creative pursuits'' and shown ``a

market capacity for self-direction.''

The fellowship, commonly known as the ``genius grant,'' is

awarded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation,

and is intended to encourage people of outstanding talent to

pursue their own creative, intellectual and professional

inclinations.

Each awardee is presented with a ``no strings attached''

stipend of $500,000 paid out in quarterly installments over

five years.

Jin, a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and

Technology (NIST), created a new quantum gas that was named

one of the top-10 scientific advances of the year by the

journal Science, in 1999.

With the assistance of graduate student Brian Demarco, Jin

cooled a vapor of fermions--one of the two basic types of

quantum particles, along with bosons--to a temperature less

than a millionth of a degree

above absolute zero using lasers and magnetic traps. The

result was a quantum state in which atoms behave like waves.

James Faller, chief of NIST's quantum physics division,

said he was delighted at Jin's achievement.

``Debbie has an inquiring and creative mind. She is a super

scientist and an incredible human being,'' said Faller.

``During the five-year term of her fellowship, I'm certain

that the MacArthur Foundation will be incredibly proud of

her.''

A graduate of Princeton University in 1990, Jin went on to

receive a Ph.D from the University of Chicago in 1995.

She then spent two years as a National Research Council

research associate with NIST, working at the Joint Institute

for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA).

After her post-doctorate assignment, Jin was hired as a

NIST physicist and assistant professor adjoint.

Jin's colleagues in the physics department were thrilled to

hear she had been honored, according to Katharine Gebbie,

director of NIST's physics laboratory.

Gebbie described Jin as having the intellect and drive to

be one of the most innovative scientists of the century.

``Within two years of her appointment at NIST, (Jin) has

seen the first evidence of degeneracy in a fermionic atomic

gas, and she has run it from there,'' said Gebbie. ``This is

a great honor for Debbie, for JILA, for the physics

laboratory and for NIST.''

Jin is among four CU-Boulder professors who have received

the fellowship since it began in 1981.

Others include Daniel Jurafsky of computational linguistics

in 2002, Norman Pace of molecular, cellular and developmental

biology in 2001, and Patricia Limerick of history in 1995.

CU-Boulder chancellor Richard Byyny said it was a

remarkable fourth time in four years that he had the honor to

congratulate a Boulder faculty member receiving the MacArthur

award.

``Deborah Jin is an outstanding physicist and a valued

teacher of undergraduate and graduate students, and this

recognition is another example of the benefits of partnering

with Boulder laboratories,'' said Byyny.

Mr. Speaker, a recent editorial in the Denver Post calls on the Judiciary Committee to perform the oversight function of calling Attorney General John Ashcroft to account.

The editorial evidently was prompted by the Attorney General's recent move to restrict plea bargaining in federal criminal cases. I think the editorial has it just right, and I urge the Judiciary Committee to promptly begin hearings on this and other Justice Department policies under the current administration. For the information of our colleagues, I am attaching the full text of the Denver Post editorial.

Ashcroft's Plea Ploy

Attorney General John Ashcroft's scheme to make it tougher

for federal prosecutors to reach plea bargains with criminal

defendants is an ill-considered proposal that bespeaks an

unrealistic view of the capacity of the American court

system. Some observers say Ashcroft's plan is merely a ploy

to make his boss, President George W. Bush, look tough on

crime for the 2004 election. But all this sound-bite

buffoonery accomplishes is to make the Bush administration

look patently stupid. Even the greenest cub reporter on the

federal court beat learns quickly that more than 90 percent

of federal criminal cases are settled with plea bargains.

Defendants plead guilty, often to a lesser charge or fewer

counts, and this is taken into account at sentencing.

Plea bargains avoid going to trial in federal courts where

dockets already are critically crowded. In exchange for

guilty pleas, defendants can get some reduction in sentences,

although formulaic federal sentencing guidelines adopted in

the 1980s give judges very little discretion. The U.S.

Justice Department says the new policy is intended to counter

dangerously lenient sentencing practices by some federal

judges. Utter nonsense. It's no accident our federal prisons

are jammed to the rafters. And Ashcroft's claim to be acting

in the interest of fairness is beyond laughable.

We recall that when the late Dale Tooley ran for Denver

district attorney in 1972, he excoriated his predecessor for

plea bargaining. Once elected, though, Tooley quickly

realized the deals were necessary to prevent hopeless logjams

in court. Even former federal prosecutors told The New York

Times that Ashcroft's approach was too rigid. ``A check-the-

box analysis really does mask differences,'' said a former

top Manhattan fed. ``Crimes are different, places are

different, people are different.'' Beyond being unrealistic,

at times it seems that Ashcroft is intent on dismantling most

of the traditional safeguards and liberties so venerated by

President Bush's conservative constituency. He is the chief

architect of the USA Patriot Act, which has eroded basic

constitutional freedoms.

He has secretly proposed being given sweeping, arbitrary

powers in the name of national security while debasing

constitutional guarantees against illegal search and seizure

and seeking broad powers to tap phones and other

communications without court supervision. He has asked

Congress for greater latitude in seeking the death penalty

and to expand the crimes for which it can be imposed. He has

asked his minions in U.S. attorneys' offices to keep tabs on

which federal district judges mete out sentences more lenient

than sentencing guidelines. He has assailed the ancient

common-law concept of

proportionality in sentencing and the concept of an

independent judiciary.

Ashcroft's Machiavellian attacks on fundamental liberties

under the pretext of combatting international terrorism are a

betrayal of his oath to uphold the Constitution. President

Bush should jerk Ashcroft's leash. Failing that, the

judiciary committees of Congress should.

Mr. Speaker, Colorado is poorer this week because of the death of Arie Taylor. As the Denver Post accurately stated in a recent editorial, Ms. Taylor--the first Africa-American woman to serve in our Legislature--was one of the truly great figures in Colorado politics. An outspoken champion of equality and opportunity, Ms. Taylor exemplified the tradition of collegiality that was once the hallmark of Colorado's political debates. A role model for many Coloradans, Ms. Taylor also should be an example of how we as legislators and public figures should conduct ourselves.

The complete editorial from the Denver Post follows:

Arie Taylor 1927-2003, Role Model for All

Colorado politics lost one of its truly great figures with

the death Saturday of Arie Taylor, the first African-American

woman elected to the legislature.

Like many of Denver's African- Americans, Taylor moved to

Colorado after serving in the military. The Ohio native

served as a staff sergeant in the Women's Air Force from 1951

to 1955. Although she never had been stationed in Denver, she

had heard favorable things about the city from an Air Force

colleague and moved here in 1958. About two-thirds of her

family eventually followed her from Cleveland.

Taylor, who studied at Miami University of Ohio and Case

Western Reserve University, ran an accounting business for

many years and also held jobs with the city.

A fervent champion of minority and women's rights, Taylor,

76, was beloved on both sides of the aisle.

A passionate warrior on behalf of causes in which she

believed, Taylor was good humored and gregarious, and she

genuinely enjoyed what she did.

Taylor represented House District 7 from 1972 until 1984

and won a reputation as an outspoken advocate for African-

Americans, women, the poor, the elderly and other groups of

people who were disadvantaged.

During the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago,

she castigated Southern delegations for being all white and

was described by a Chicago paper as a ``large, fierce black

woman.''

Taylor never shied away from that description. Indeed, when

U.S. Rep. Scott McInnis arrived at the Colorado Capitol after

being elected to the state legislature two decades ago, his

2-year-old son said, ``Papa, now there's a big, fat black

woman'' within Taylor's earshot. The mortified McInnis

proceeded to lecture the boy.

Toward the end of the day, Taylor recounted the story to

the chamber, and asked the speaker of the House for an

official rebuke ``against Rep. Scott McInnis,'' noting that

``his son took one look at me and called me a big, fat black

woman. . . . He shouldn't lecture his son for telling the

truth. The fact is, I am a big, fat black woman.''

It's worth noting that when Taylor served in the

legislature, there was a collegiality among lawmakers that

transcended party lines. People who fought over issues tooth

and nail on the floor nonetheless were good friends in

private life, a tradition that sadly seems to have been

supplanted in recent years by a take-no-prisoners mentality

more suited to professional wrestling than good government.

``She was involved in many controversies,'' recalled Omar

Blair, the first black president of the Denver school board.

``She was a role model for a lot of young people and even a

few old people like myself.''

Today, Coloradans of all colors have cause to mourn the

loss of the businesswoman and lawmaker with the floppy hats

and a heart bigger than the Great Plains.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Cole Finegan, who for the past sixteen years has made significant contributions to the political, philanthropic, legal and social fabric of Colorado. Cole has recently been selected to serve as the City Attorney for Denver by Mayor John Hickenlooper, where he will serve with distinction.

A native of Oklahoma, Cole graduated from Notre Dame in 1978. He completed his law degree at Georgetown University in 1987, where he worked for the Tax Lawyer Law Review.

No stranger to the House, his public sector experience began with Congressman Jim Jones of Oklahoma, for whom he served as a legislative aide, campaign manager and later as chief of staff.

Cole later served as chief legal counsel and policy director for Colorado Governor Roy Romer, handling all legal matters for the governor and advising on all judicial appointments. As policy director, he supervised the development of policy on economic, environmental, health care, energy, telecommunications, transportation and education. Those close to Governor Romer will confirm that Cole was highly respected and had the affectionate esteem of the Governor and his staff, in large part because he respected dissenting opinions and always found time to mentor those who were less experienced.

As a senior member of the law firm, Brownstein, Hyatt and Farber, Cole worked on land use issues, regulatory and administrative matters and election law. I am proud to say that he also found time to serve as my counsel, and has been a trusted advisor for the time I have served in Congress. Other members of the House will recognize Cole's involvement with the Democratic National Campaign Committee, and his friendship, political advice and steady support for so many of our colleagues.

Cole's service has not been limited to partisan matters, however. His commitment to educational opportunity is demonstrated by his service as Vice Chair of the Denver Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Directors of the I Have a Dream Foundation, a member of the Urban Land Institute, and a member of the Advisory Board of Directors for the Community College of Denver. He has also served on the Colorado State Board of Agriculture governing Colorado State University and the Board of Trustees for the State Colleges of Colorado.

This long list of public accomplishment for such a young man, however, is not what impresses me most about Cole Finegan. I count him as a friend and a role model because Cole has lived the adage in politics that ``one can disagree without being disagreeable.'' He is a man of accomplishment in the public arena to be sure, but he is also a man with a great and good heart.

One story may suffice to demonstrate my point: I learned only recently that Cole has for many years provided legal service to an indigent man whom he befriended during a past political campaign. Many busy and successful lawyers with high-rise offices overlooking Denver's fashionable 17th street would find it more convenient to pass this work on to a subordinate or even quietly ignore a face from the past. Cole made time to treat this man like a valued human being, and in fact, most of those who've worked with Cole, including those who've found him to be a worthy adversary, will insist that Cole's great gift is that he honors the humanity in people.

In short, I believe Cole Finegan deserves to be mentioned here--not because he is a highly successful public servant--but because he has proven that excellence in public service does not have to come at the expense of being a good and kind human being.

With his unique blend of public, private and nonprofit experience, Cole Finegan will bring wisdom and experience to the office of Denver's City Attorney and assume a leadership role that will build innovative ideas and management to city government. I wish him well in this exciting endeavor and thank him for his commitment to public service and the citizens of Denver and Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to have serious concerns about the activities of the Justice Department under the current Administration.

So, I agree completely with an editorial in today's Rocky Mountain News regarding the recent directive by the Attorney General instructing U.S. Attorneys to limit use of plea bargains and to pursue the most serious possible charges in most cases.

As the editorial notes, ``if there is a problem with overly lenient sentences and go-easy prosecutors, the Justice Department has yet to prove it. Ashcroft might be trying to fix a system that isn't broken. The order also could have the dangerous effect of diminishing the discretion of federal judges and prosecutors, a critical point now that more and more offenses that were once purely state law are now federal crimes.''

The editorial concludes by saying ``Congress should insist that Ashcroft more thoroughly explain why this order is necessary.'' On that point, I fully concur, and urge the Judiciary Committee to seek such an explanation without delay.

For the benefit of our colleagues, here is the full text of the editorial:

[From the Rocky Mountain News, Sept. 24, 2003]

What Problem Is Ashcroft Solving?

Attorney General John Ashcroft is becoming a prolific

writer of memos to the 94 U.S. attorneys.

His latest instructs them to pursue the toughest possible

charges and seek the severest sentences possible. And he also

ordered them to limit the use of plea bargains. The goal, he

said, was to bring uniformity and consistency to federal

criminal prosecutions.

By itself, the order is not unreasonable. It reflects the

Bush administration's stand on law enforcement, and it

returns to a similar order the department issued in 1989

during the administration of Bush senior. The order was

relaxed during the Clinton administration. And Ashcroft's

order has reasonable exceptions on plea bargaining, for

example, to reward cooperation and clear overcrowded dockets.

But if there is a problem with overly lenient sentences and

go-easy prosecutors, the Justice Department has yet to prove

it. Ashcroft might be trying to fix a system that isn't

broken.

The order also could have the dangerous effect of

diminishing the discretion of federal judges and prosecutors,

a critical point now that more and more offenses that were

once purely state law are now federal crimes.

Ashcroft also has told the U.S. attorneys to report judges

who impose lighter sentences than called for by federal

sentencing guidelines. Yet seeking the toughest charges with

the maximum sentences could also increase the federal

judiciary's already backlogged workload. With little

possibility of a plea bargain, more defendants now have an

incentive to go to trial and then continue the fight through

the appeals process.

Congress should insist that Ashcroft more thoroughly

explain why this order is necessary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to The National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colorado. This outstanding internationally recognized recreational program in my district has been serving people with disabilities more than thirty years.

Founded in January, 1970 by The Winter Park Ski Resort ski school to teach skiing to amputees from The Children's Hospital in Denver, this now year-round recreational program has now served over 48,000 persons with a range of disabilities.

Blind, paraplegic, cancer, stroke, amputees, deaf and cerebral palsy children and adults from across the country participate in skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, horseback riding, golfing, rafting and fishing in the beautiful Fraser Valley of Colorado.

Recreational and competitive programs prepare disabled athletes for this range of mountain sport activities to develop confidence and self- esteem in an athletic environment long thought to be inaccessible to disabled members of society.

The Sports Center's competitive programs groom elite-level skiers for regional, national and international competition. Winter Park's Disabled Ski Team competed in the 2002 Paralympics in Salt Lake City, winning over 20 medals in competition.

In 1992, a therapeutic riding center, run by volunteers, was established to give participants riding lessons, training riders in the care, grooming and health of horses. The Center also provides a fully accessible camping experience for disabled campers and their families. This outdoor experience is offered on a first come, first serve basis and is completely free.

Through a partnership with The Metropolitan State College of Denver, the Center is creating a virtual reality skiing experience on the internet to help the disabled overcome the fear of the unknown and work toward participating in the many athletic programs available at Winter Park.

Through the generous support of the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation, the Denver Broncos Charities Fund, Barbara and Joseph Glaser Scholarships, and the NSCD's Sponsor an Athlete Scholarship fund, athletes from around the country are selected to come to Colorado. Scholarships are awarded based on need and athletic commitment.

Widely considered the largest and most successful outdoor therapeutic recreation agency in the world, each year thousands of children and adults with disabilities come to our magnificent state to learn they, too, can enjoy the mountains, trails, golf courses and streams

that the Rocky Mountains offers our nation and the world.

Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West is proud to be the home to The National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, created and maintained to give individuals with mental or physical disabilities superb summer and winter sports programs to learn about a variety of sports and themselves.

Mr. Speaker, I am voting for this bill because without enactment of such an extension the current transportation law will expire on September 30, 2003 and it is important that transportation programs and projects continue while Congress continues to work toward their long-term renewal.

However, I am concerned about a provision in this bill that would grant States the ability to transfer unobligated funds between transportation programs during the extension period.

Regional governments in my State have similar concerns. They have let me know that they are worried that shifting funds from transportation enhancement and safety activities, mitigation for metropolitan traffic congestion, and clean air programs could seriously undermine planning activities for these projects and cause critical delays and disruptions.

There appears to be little need or justification for this provision, and I will continue to resist any attempt to weaken guaranteed funding for transportation enhancement activities when the transportation bill is reauthorized on a long-term basis.

In the meantime, I strongly urge the Colorado Department of Transportation to work cooperatively with local entities, particularly the Denver Regional Council of Governments, to ensure that these enhancement programs are safeguarded during the extension period.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 112th Anniversary of the Oxford Hotel in Denver, Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, 1891 was a tremendous year. Fueled by the Silver Rush, it was a time of great promise for the fledgling State of Colorado, and in September of that year, the Oxford Hotel opened its doors for the first time. With its beautiful artwork and antique furniture, the Oxford offered its patrons class and luxury in the heart of the American Frontier. It provided its patrons with world-class dining facilities. The Oxford also was one of the first hotels in the West to have an elevator.

Located in the historic Lower Downtown district of Denver, the Oxford is only a walk away from the city's most cherished landmarks: The Denver Mint, the State Capital, Larimer Square, and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, just to name a few. Its history and location helped build the Oxford's reputation as a cultural beacon in Colorado. This was reinforced in the 1960's and '70's when the hotel became renowned as a jazz center.

For years I have had the privilege of knowing the owners of the Oxford Hotel: Walter and Christie Isenberg and Dana Crawford. And I must commend them for their fabulous preservation of the Oxford as a piece of Colorado history and for maintaining its reputation as one of the West's best hotels.

The Oxford has seen a city, a state, and indeed a whole region grow around it in its 112 years. Even though the country around the Oxford has changed dramatically, the hotel has not. This wonderful hotel remains a unique visiting experience for its patrons. It still provides world-class services to all who stay there. And it is, and shall be, one of Colorado's most cherished landmarks for as long as it stands.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me and show support for the Oxford Hotel and its 112 years of greatness.