[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 18 (Monday, January 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           TRIBUTE TO RON ESAU

                                 ______


                         HON. NORMAN Y. MINETA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 30, 1995
  Mr. MINETA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to a dedicated 
public servant and a personal friend. As Ron Esau retires from his 
position as general manager of the Santa Clara Water District, in San 
Jose, CA, this month, he caps a remarkable career as a major water 
resources force in Santa Clara County. This is a man whose interest in 
public service is so important to him that he made it his duty for more 
than half of his life.
  Since 1957, Ron Esau has been serving the citizens of Santa Clara 
County. He first joined the Santa Clara Valley Water District as an 
assistant civil engineer and has held various posts, including 
assistant general manager, until appointment to his present position as 
general manager.
  During his 37 years of dedicated service, Ron Esau has been appointed 
to numerous directorships on water boards across the State including 
the State Water Contractors, the Central Valley Project Water 
Association, the California Water Resources Association, the California 
Urban Water Agencies, the Western Urban Water Coalition, the Bay Policy 
Board, and others.
  Aside from his prestige as a high-ranking water resources and 
community official, Mr. Esau has also been praised for the substantial 
contributions he has made as a hard-working volunteer. He is known for 
the work he has done as a cabinet member of the United Way of Santa 
Clara County, and for his extensive work with his church.
  Despite the water wars that raged in our State for years, Ron Esau 
has been a voice of reason with an eye to the future for how we work 
well to develop a reliable water supply for Santa Clara County. One of 
the greatest strengths Mr. Esau brought to our valley was the need to 
expand the diversity of our water supply base to deal with the growth 
of our county and the realities of drought. His thoughtful approach of 
developing a mix of water supplies led this county through the recent 
critical drought experience relatively unscathed in a much stronger 
position than many areas around us. This feat is a testament to his 
leadership and vision.
  Ron Esau is a principled and honest leader and a devoted father and 
husband. I know that whatever area of endeavor he chooses next, he will 
excel. I want to wish Ron and Connie and the rest of his family all the 
best in the future, and thank him for the wonderful achievements and 
progress he has left for us to remember him by.


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