Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today for the solemn purpose of commemorating the life of a monumental figure. Ike Livermore was one of the great leaders of the conservation movement, and as much as anyone in the 20th century, he was responsible for preventing the development, division, and exploitation of California's last unblemished areas. But his legacy far exceeds a crusade against the intrusion of the modern world into the wilderness. In the life he lived and through the ideas he championed, Ike Livermore reminded us that the obligation to protect our natural heritage is not a burden, and though the battles and compromises may not be easy, the reward for perseverance is a richer existence for all.

Ike Livermore lived an adventurous life. At the age of 15, he and a friend took mules across a rough section of the central coast for 10 days without crossing a single road. This was the trip that formed the basis of his long-standing opposition to the construction of Highway 1 on the coast. Having graduated from Stanford, he traveled to the 1936 Olympics as a member of the Unites States' baseball team. Subsequent to completing his M.B.A. degree, again at Stanford, he served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army during World War II. Here he was a witness to history during the invasions of Sicily, Okinawa, and Iwo Jima.

After returning to California, Mr. Livermore first founded a mule- packing company in the southem Sierra and then a small lumber mill near his family home in Northern California. In 1952 he went to work as treasurer at Pacific Lumber Company, and helped promote sustainable logging practices during the heyday of the California logging industry. Many of the areas he advocated be protected as wilderness were near areas being logged by the company, but Ike understood the need for balance in resource management.

In 1967, he gladly accepted a request to join the cabinet of California Governor Ronald Reagan as the Secretary of Resources. During his time in the Reagan Administration, Ike was a fierce opponent of several attempts to build roads over these passes he himself had walked, and finally convinced the Governor to scuttle plans to build two roads over the highest passes. His wisdom is readily apparent: the areas in question have now been designated Sequoia National Park and the John Muir wilderness. He was also instrumental in the creation of Redwood National Park on the northern Coast. Marshalling the same arguments he had made in his master's thesis 30 years earlier, he convinced members of Governor Reagan's cabinet that the economic benefits of wilderness far outweighed other potential uses of the land. Such reasoning is the foundation of the important modem understanding that the preservation of wild land can be as valuable as its exploitation.

Ike's heart was always in the wild country, and throughout many years in the enviromnental community he caused others to share his appreciation of unspoiled natural beauty during expeditions all over the state. Among his favorite places in the high Sierra Nevada was the long, mostly undeveloped stretch from Yosemite National Park to Walker Pass. While operating his mule-packing venture he covered much of this territory, and after he had folded the business and moved on with other pursuits, he continued to return to the area for many years leading Sierra Club expeditions and fighting to oppose development.

Madam Speaker, many people will gather at the end of the month to remember Ike, and all the good that he has done. But it takes more than great accomplishments to earn a place in people's hearts. Ike Livermore was, above all, a great and kind man. Loving towards family and friends, calm and respectful in his conduct, a strong and passionate leader for the causes he championed, Ike's life is a model for future generations. His works did not define him, but were a reflection of the man who gave so many his wisdom arid guidance. He will long be remembered as a true, Californian, a visionary environmentalist who understood the balance of man and nature, and realized that both must be allowed to prosper.

Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we remember and celebrate the life of Ike Livermore. His accomplishments are innumerable, but he leaves behind a greater legacy of personal involvement in the wilds of California. He proved by example that one can be an industrialist and an environmentalist, and after his retirement from public life, he remained active fighting for wilderness all over the state. His life will long be remembered, even as his ideas continue to bear fruit.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long and successful career of Mr. Gary Louis Simpson, the Sheriff- Coroner of Napa County, California. On December 28th Mr. Simpson will stand down after 20 years and 5 terms as the elected Sheriff of Napa County. During his tenure, the Sheriff's Department has developed and expanded numerous programs to extend the involvement of the department with other law enforcement agencies and county departments. He leaves behind a technologically sophisticated and well-trained department prepared to continue the work he has advanced for many years.

Mr. Simpson was born in Missouri, but moved to California at an early age, and grew up in Oakland. He attended Pacific Union College and graduated with a B.A. in Social Sciences in 1965. Mr. Simpson served in the United States Army from 1966-1969 and left at the rank of 1st Lieutenant before joining the Napa Police Department that same year. In 1983 he was promoted to Lieutenant in the Police Department. In 1986 he ran for the office of Sheriff, and was elected the 25th Sheriff of Napa County.

As Sheriff, Mr. Simpson expanded the work of the Sheriffs department beyond the strict. confines of law enforcement and into the communities of the Napa Valley. Through a variety of programs like DARE and the Sheriffs Activity League, Mr. Simpson has reached out to the youth of the Napa Valley and helped develop a safe and healthy place for children to grow. He has created an innovative program, the Sheriff Citizens Academy, which is conceived to allow people living and working in the Napa Valley to better understand the work of the Sheriffs Department. Additionally, this important program has begun the process of building bridges between members of the community and law enforcement.

Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Mr. Gary Louis Simpson on his retirement after 20 years as the Sheriff of Napa County. He has been instrumental in developing the resources and capabilities of law enforcement in Napa County. He will enjoy retirement in the company of his wife Veronica, their children, and their two granddaughters.

Madam Speaker, I, along with my colleague Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, rise today to honor Ben Stone, who recently completed 20 years of service as head of the Sonoma County Economic Development Board. Under Ben's quiet but dynamic leadership, the Economic Development Board (EDB) has successfully implemented programs that have more than met the mandate of the County Board of Supervisors to enhance economic development by concentrating on new and innovative programs that enable businesses to remain competitive in a changing economy.

Ben came to Sonoma County from the Seattle area where he had been a county administrator in Port Angeles, Washington, a consultant with Arthur Andersen & Co. and a Special Projects Director with Scafco Corporation. He graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla and received his Masters of Public Administration from the University of Washington in Seattle.

Ben tells the story that, after coming to Sonoma County, he was informed that a decision had been made to close the EDB. However, he commenced creating programs atypical of economic development, which bolstered the local economy, and, 20 years later, the EDB is thriving under his leadership.

With the help of a small staff and interns, Ben has developed a number of award-winning programs in concert with local private and public sectors. Many of these programs have been successfully transitioned to community-based organizations.

Among them are the Sonoma County Tourism Program, which served to increase tourism 31 percent; two technology groups (SofTech, a trade group, and the North Bay Technology Roundtable, a policy group); Youth Business Week; the Business Environmental Alliance; the North Bay World Trade Association; the Small Business Center now operated by Santa Rosa Junior College; a home-based business project; and a business crime prevention program. Ben's office still operates the Sonoma County Film Commission.

Ben also initiated a broad-based strategic planning process resulting in the formation of bachelors and master's degree programs in Engineering Science at Sonoma State University, a new cooperative agricultural marketing program, and an economic research program. An EDB forum, the Business Regulatory Roundtable, involving elected officials, regulatory agencies, and business executives to improve local regulatory processes, resulted in Northern California's first multi-agency Permit Assistance Center.

By creating the Economic Development Board Foundation, the EDB is able to support research projects, bring expert speakers to discuss aspects of the economy at local presentations twice annually, present an annual State of the County program, and recognize local business men and women at the annual Spirit of Sonoma County Awards program.

Ben developed one of the most visited websites in the County. The EDB pages contain all the research reports, information on upcoming events, the latest initiatives sponsored by his office, and the first live web cast of the State of the County event In addition, Ben helped establish the California-Swiss Foundation, the World Affairs Council, and has been on the boards of the Sonoma County Museum, the Sonoma County YMCA, and presently is a member of the President's Council at Santa Rosa Junior College.

Some form of the Economic Development Board has, been a part of Sonoma County since the late 1950s. If you wanted assistance from Ben in the early days of his 20-year tenure, your first task would be to find his office, which moved four times in the first 10 years before finding a home on College Avenue in Santa Rosa. His long-time friends particularly recall his small office on Cleveland Avenue piled with filing boxes that a visitor clambered over to reach his desk.

A wall of certificates and plaques now greets visitors to his office, including a Grand Prize for Excellence from the California Association of Economic Development; four Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties; and six Innovation Awards, from the National Association of Development Organizations.

Madam Speaker, we want to honor Ben Stone today for his 20 years of service to Sonoma County and the Economic Development Board. He has made many friends in the many communities he serves and is always willing to give a boost to new arrivals or make that important contact for someone who needs assistance. As Ben always says to others, we wish him many more ``Onward and Upward'' years at the Sonoma County Economic Development Board.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, PAYGO is a budget enforcement tool that has both a history of success and a history of bipartisan support. In its original form, PAYGO was part of an agreement between the first President Bush and a Democratic Congress. A Democratic President and Congress extended it in 1993, and a Democratic President and Republican Congress extended it in 1997. Unfortunately, it was allowed to expire in 2002 and the results have been a disaster. Deficits and debt have reached historic levels and the debt limit has been raised four times.

This rule takes the first step toward restoring fiscal responsibility in the Federal Government by requiring the House of Representatives to pay for the bills that we pass.

I urge all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the passage of this rule.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Gary Stewart for his decades of work as one of North America's finest waterfowl biologists, and to thank him for all that he has done to mobilize a diverse group of interested parties to further the goals of conservation. His leadership has aided conservationists throughout the Pacific Flyway in maintaining viable waterfowl populations and protecting key landscapes. He is retiring from a prestigious career with Ducks Unlimited Canada in December 2006.

Mr. Stewart began his efforts with waterfowl on the Prairies of Manitoba studying blue-winged teal. His career with Ducks Unlimited Canada ignited in 1979 as a young, energetic Area Biologist starting a program in New Brunswick. After 5 years, he traveled west to take on the challenge of Alberta Provincial Biologist. In that role, Gary advanced many important scientific and program delivery components of the vital Alberta landscape for over a dozen years, including critical planning and delivery of early NAWMP activities.

From his knowledge of the key waterfowl breeding areas, Mr. Stewart stimulated Flyway concern and support for conservation in the Prairies and Boreal Forest. This conservation outreach extended to the western U.S., major donors, industry partners, First Nations, and governments. A key linkage was established among Ducks Unlimited, Pacific Flyway waterfowl biologists, and especially the State of California. He was instrumental in coordinating the first Flyway biologist meeting with Ducks Unlimited Canada staff, and he built a strong cross-border working relationship with the Western Regional Office of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and U.S. partners.

In 1997 Mr. Stewart pioneered work in the Western Boreal Forest as Manager of Conservation Programs, a task at which he excelled. Under his leadership, the Western Boreal Forest readily became known across the continent as ``the other duck factory,'' with a unique set of values and challenges. His entrepreneurial spirit, passion, energetic approach and strategic thinking have resulted in a greatly increased understanding of the landscape and several specific examples of critical conservation.

Mr. Speaker, over the years, Mr. Stewart has earned a great deal of personal and professional respect from those who have had the pleasure of knowing and working with him. He readily shared his knowledge with younger staff and partners. I would like to personally thank Gary for working with me, and extend the thanks of all who have benefit from his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, as a combat Vietnam veteran, I have a strong personal understanding of why granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations status to Vietnam is so important for both our country and theirs. Reconciliation with our former adversary has been a long and on-going effort, and today we are taking a long step toward furthering that process.

This process began more than a decade ago when we lifted the trade embargo on Vietnam in recognition of the cooperation received from Vietnam in POW/MIA accounting. In May, the United States and Vietnam signed a bilateral WTO accession agreement, which was required as part of Vietnam's bid to join the WTO.

For the United States to participate in this trade agreement, Congress must pass legislation granting PNTR to Vietnam.

Mr. Speaker, it's important to understand that congressional approval of PNTR for Vietnam is a necessary step toward maintaining our competitive edge in the 21st century global economy.

By passing PNTR, farmers, ranchers, businesses, manufacturers and consumers will be able to take full advantage of Vietnam's rapidly expanding economy.

The facts speak for themselves: Vietnam has become our fastest growing export market in Asia. In just the last five years, trade between the U.S. and Vietnam has increased more than 400 percent, going from under $1 billion a year to $7.8 billion.

If we fail to pass PNTR, we are putting ourselves at a distinct disadvantage because we will be the only WTO member country that will not have access to Vietnam's booming economy.

Foreign competitors will get the benefit of lower trade barriers-- benefits we negotiated--as U.S. farmers, manufacturers and businesses watch from the sidelines.

Also, granting PNTR status to Vietnam advances our interests in areas other than trade.

PNTR will promote ongoing internal reforms within Vietnam. WTO membership will require Vietnam to adhere to WTO rules of law and provide greater transparency where trade matters are concerned. Vietnam's laws and regulations that affect foreign trade and investment will need to be published and made publicly available.

In addition, Vietnam has been cooperative with our efforts to achieve full accounting of U.S. soldiers missing in action.

Enactment of PNTR will further this good working relationship.

Mr. Speaker, today, we have an opportunity to expand our economy and improve American prosperity. We also have an opportunity to eliminate the remnants from a war that ended more than three decades ago.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6406.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 540, I was speaking with Speaker-elect Pelosi. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Patricia Thompson for many years of visionary leadership as the city manager of Napa, CA. Pat has been an outstanding leader for all of us over the 17 years she has been with the city, and her hard work and dedication will be felt in the many projects and improvement she nurtured and brought to fruition during that time.

Mrs. Thompson was born in San Diego and attended San Diego State University, where she received first a bachelor's degree and then her Masters of Public Administration with highest honors. She held a number of jobs with cities in Nevada, culminating in 7 years as the city manager of Sparks from 1981-1988. In 1988, Mrs. Thompson was honored by the American Society of Public Administration as the organizations National Administrator of the Year.

The city and people of Napa have benefited immensely from Mrs. Thompson's arrival in 1989. Among the numerous projects that she has spearheaded are infrastructure improvements like the new Highway 29- Trancas interchange, new parks, walking paths, and a fire station. She has been a leader in attracting businesses to the Napa area through a series of development projects that have restored and expanded commercial spaces in the city. On numerous occasions when a decisive leader was needed, she has stepped in as a temporary Director of Emergency Services to meet the city's needs during floods, drought and the earthquake. She was the main force behind the city of Napa's effort to pass the Measure A Flood Control Sales Tax, and this facilitated ongoing developments and improvements to Napa County's flood control project.

In addition to her busy roll as city manager, Mrs. Thompson has found time to serve on numerous local governance and non-profit boards. Her participation in these forums has allowed the various governments of Napa County to better coordinate their efforts. She has also served as an Advisory Member to the board of the Salvation Army.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we thank Patricia Thompson for her invaluable service to the city of Napa, and for the numerous projects she has overseen and led to completion. Her exemplary leadership has left a legacy for our community that will extend far into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the tremendous contributions Dr. Robert Paul Losey has made to the lives of infants and families in Napa County. As the founder of Healthy Moms and Babies, Dr. Losey has created a successful, non-profit community health initiative that has yielded tangible results in children's health.

Dr. Losey was born in Pasadena, California, where he attended high school before serving in the Marine Corps from 1957 to 1959. After leaving the Marine Corps, he attended college in southern California where he earned degrees from Pasadena City College and the University of California, Riverside. He earned his medical degree from Creighton University in Nebraska in 1966 before returning to California to complete his internship and residency in Los Angeles.

Dr. Losey moved to the Napa Valley in 1986 when he was hired as the medical director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Queen of the Valley Hospital. His work has further developed Napa County's only facility for the care of premature or critically ill infants. Through his successful private practice at Harvest Pediatrics, Dr. Losey has continued to serve the families of the Napa Valley.

Mr. Speaker, Healthy Moms and Babies was founded in 1988 with the vision to provide comprehensive healthcare for low-income and uninsured women in order to guarantee that every baby is born healthy. By educating expectant women about their own health during pregnancy, Healthy Moms and Babies has brought a dramatic increase in infant health to the Napa Valley. Healthy Moms and Babies has also made special efforts to develop bilingual resources and do outreach into communities that have traditionally been medically underserved. Napa County has the healthiest babies in the State of California, and Dr. Losey and Healthy Moms and Babies have greatly contributed to this achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise at this time to thank Dr. Robert Paul Losey for his many contributions to the community and families of Napa County. He has been active in a variety of health care- and youth-related causes, and his work as the founder of Healthy Moms and Babies has brought a new standard of care to all who live in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of St. Paul's Community United Methodist Church in Point Arena.

St. Paul's was the first Protestant church on the rural and relatively isolated south Mendocino coast. It started out with 24 parishioners and was led by Rev. David H. Haskin as its first pastor. In 1906 it was consecrated as a Methodist church.

Tragically, on April 18th, 1906, a fire occurred in the aftermath of the San Andreas earthquake and destroyed the original St. Paul's Church and elementary school. With the support of its community, the church and elementary school were quickly rebuilt.

Three items were rescued from the fire: the organ, two rectory chairs and the pulpit, all of which still grace the sanctuary. The most interesting item rescued was a unique, hand-carved pulpit made of three simulated Bibles. Mr. Ole Jensen, a church member and immigrant from Denmark, who was trained to make figureheads for ships, created it.

St. Paul's Church has enriched the lives of its parishioners and fellow community members through weekly religious services and an elementary school. The church is a pillar of the community on the coast.

Mr. Speaker, we honor this church for its contributions to the community and the continued resilience of its parishioners. It has been a welcoming haven and example of community strength since its original founding. It is appropriate at this time that we recognize St. Paul's Community United Methodist Church on its 100th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, together with my colleague Ms. Woolsey, I rise today to recognize the outstanding career of Ms. Eeve Lewis, the County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Public Administrator for Sonoma County. Ms. Lewis has worked for Sonoma County for over 35 years, rising from her starting position of Clerk Typist to win 6 elections and serve a total of 7 terms as the County Clerk, during which time she has overseen and led numerous structural adjustments to the division of responsibilities in the county offices.

Ms. Lewis was born in West Germany, the daughter of an Estonian woman living in a displaced person's camp. Her family immigrated to the United States in 1950, and she cites the warm welcome and opportunity they found here as one of her primary motivations to enter a life of public service. She graduated with Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Chico State and Sonoma State University, respectively.

Ms. Lewis was hired by Sonoma County in 1971, and transferred to the Clerk's Office in 1974. A swift series of promotions followed. She was appointed the Acting County Clerk in 1977 when her predecessor died in office. She won her first election in a runoff and has since won six more terms in office. During almost 30 years as the elected Clerk of Sonoma County, Ms. Lewis has presided over expansion and refinement of the responsibilities and jurisdiction of the office of the Clerk. By always approaching jurisdictional matters with an open mind and a concern for the relevant statutes, Ms. Lewis has guided a series of changes that have greatly benefited the government and people of Sonoma County. By working closely with court staff, Ms. Lewis successfully organized the reapportionment of duties and streamlined costs when it became necessary to create a separate office to administer the county's court system. Similar structural adjustments in 2001 saw the Clerk's Office absorb the County Recorder's responsibilities and then the County Assessor's role. Through all of these changes Ms. Lewis has carefully studied the new responsibilities assigned to her, and maintained the high standard of performance for which the Clerk's Office is known.

In addition to her work in Sonoma County, Ms. Lewis has been active in professional organizations around the State helping other counties emulate the success of Sonoma in developing and maintaining an effective Clerk staff. She is responsible for the development of a series of workshops to help train staff around the State, with the first of these meetings scheduled to take place this coming March. Additionally, she participated in a legal taskforce mandated to revise confusing or outdated portions of California Code related to the duties of County and Court Clerks. All of these activities greatly contribute to a higher quality of governance throughout the State of California and represent a service to the people every bit as important as her work in Sonoma County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Ms. Woolsey to congratulate Ms. Eeve Lewis on the occasion of her retirement after 35 years of service to Sonoma County, including a remarkable 28 years of capably guiding her office as, the elected County Clerk. She will leave behind the finest organization in the State and a legion of admirers who valued the insight and care with which she approached her work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Michael R. Dick who is retiring as Police Chief of Calistoga. Mr. Dick has been a member of the Calistoga Police Department for 31 years, during which time he has served Calistoga honorably and conscientiously in many roles.

As a graduate of Calistoga High School, Mr. Dick grew up familiar with the area he eventually served. He studied at Napa Valley College, where he worked for his Associate of Science Degree in Law Enforcement. His constant residence in and around Calistoga has made Mike especially well attuned to the needs of his community. Throughout his career he has made an extra effort to encourage young people from Calistoga to follow his path by becoming cadets with the police force.

Mr. Dick became an Officer on the force in 1975. He has earned a reputation as a thorough officer whose tenacity and initiative helped him obtain convictions in tough investigations. Beyond his conventional duties as an officer, he served for many years as the Juvenile Officer and liaison to the schools of Calistoga. His connections to the community served him well in this regard, and he developed numerous local programs targeting drug-use prevention and children's safety. For all of his hard work, Mr. Dick has 3 times been recognized as Police Officer of the Year, and in 1996 he was the City of Calistoga's Citizen of the Year.

Beyond his work as a police officer, Mr. Dick has been a model citizen for the City of Calistoga, serving in numerous local volunteer capacities. He has been the Chairman of the St. Jude's Children's Hospital Bike-a-thon and served several terms as President of the Calistoga Police Officer's Association. Demonstrating once again his commitment to the children of our community, he has for many years been the Cub Scout Master for the Silverado Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize the long and active career of Mr. Michael R. Dick, who served his hometown of Calistoga as an officer of the greatest distinction. I join the many members of his community in extending my appreciation for all of his hard work, and I wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Parent of Eureka, California, who is being honored for his contribution to one of our nation's most precious rights--participation in the political system. Mr. Parent is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to the political process by the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee as ``Democrat of the Year, 2006.'' His commitment to the preservation of our political liberty is worthy of appreciation and recognition.

Mike Parent has had a long and distinguished career as an employee of the California Department of Forestry, serving as a Forestry Logistics Officer for over 29 years. During his tenure he helped to coordinate emergency response to wildland fires throughout the state. He was an exemplary employee and valued for his tenacity, organizational skills and commitment to duty.

Mr. Parent has exemplified the model citizen as an active volunteer and member of numerous local organizations. He served as President of the Fortuna Kiwanis Club and President of the Board of the North Coast Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Eureka. He worked tirelessly for these organizations and helped to improve his community and the lives of many young people. He was also a member and served as chairman of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee for five years. During his tenure he re-energized the Committee's community activities and public events and helped to grow the membership.

Mr. Parent is a native of Ohio, the oldest of 14 children. He is married to Barbara Ellis and father to Adam Parent, Ryan Nichols and Kevin and Melissa Ellis. Though retired from state service, he continues to offer his logistical expertise for national disasters through the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time to recognize Michael Parent for his leadership and commitment to his community and to the people of the state of California. I would like to add my voice to that of the Humboldt County Democratic Club in offering thanks to Mike for his hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Guy William Kay on the occasion of his recognition by the Napa Chapter of the Sierra Club with the Earl Thollander Environmental Award. Mr. Kay is being honored for his contributions to environmental causes in the Napa Valley, and I would like to add my voice to those applauding his work as a steward of our natural resources.

Mr. Kay was born in New York and grew up in New Jersey. He attended Penn State University where he studied botany while finding time to win an NCAA championship as a runner. After a stint as a medic with the United States Armed Forces in Korea, Mr. Kay went to work for the Nestle Company, where his ability quickly garnered a move into operations management. He transferred to the Napa Valley in 1972 to direct the operations of the Beringer Winery, then newly acquired by Nestle.

Mr. Kay has been active in the Napa community for many years, and this has continued beyond his retirement from Beringer in 1993. Having served two terms as President of the Napa Valley Vintners' Association and as a City Councilman for my hometown of St. Helena from 1978 through 1984, Guy Kay has maintained his civic commitment through his seat on the steering committee for the Napa County General Plan.

Mr. Speaker, balancing economic development and the desire to preserve unblemished, natural spaces is a quandary all too familiar for residents of the Napa Valley. Mr. Kay has been working for many years to address this through his participation in the Local Agency Formation Commission of Napa Valley. His vision and experience has been welcome as Napa County continues to develop. At the same time, he has channeled his love of bird watching into a project with the Audubon society surveying the activity of breeding birds, ensuring that their habitats are undisturbed.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate at this time that we thank Guy Kay for his contributions to the Napa Valley, and congratulate him on this recognition by the Sierra Club. His active participation in the life of Napa County is invaluable, and I know that he will continue to find roles from which to better our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize State Senator Wesley Chesbro of Arcata, who is being honored for his 32 years of public service to the people of California.

Mr. Chesbro began his long and distinguished public service as a member of the Arcata City Council in 1974, where he fought to protect the environment and to promote social justice. He served as a member of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors from 1980 to 1990, where he served with distinction as an effective and powerful advocate for local government, protecting California's coastline and northern California's water resources.

He served on many boards and commissions, was a founding member of the North Coast Environmental Center and the Arcata Community Recycling Center. His leadership role in advocating for community recycling led to his being appointed to serve on the State of California Integrated Waste Management Board for 8 years. His service resulted in many projects around the state that bear the imprint of his commitment to recycle, reuse and clean-up.

Senator Chesbro was elected to the State Senate in 1998 as the representative for the Second Senate District of California, which encompasses a portion of the state's North Coast and the North Bay counties of Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano. During his tenure he has become a statewide leader in the area of healthcare, mental health and developmental disabilities; resource, fisheries and coastal protection; school facilities funding; and veterans' affairs.

A California native, Wes attended California State University, Humboldt and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Francisco. He is married to Cindy Chesbro and is the proud father of Alan and Collin.

Senator Chesbro is being honored for his contribution to one of our nation's most precious rights--participation in the political system. He is being recognized for his outstanding contribution to the political process by the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee as ``Democrat of the Year, 2006.'' His active commitment to the preservation of our political liberty is an example for all of his many admirers.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we thank Senator Wesley Chesbro for his contributions and service to our country.