[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 31 (Thursday, February 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


TRIBUTE TO SENATOR ROBERT PRESLEY 36TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT--RIVERSIDE, 
                                   CA

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                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 1995
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I take to the floor of the House today to 
praise a great legislator, a lifelong public servant, a combat veteran, 
and a personal friend. It may come as a surprise to those listening 
here in Washington, DC, but I am talking about one man--Senator Robert 
Presley of Riverside, CA.
  Senator Presley represented the 36th State senatorial district of the 
great State of California. He was first elected to the senate in 1974. 
To give an idea of the span of his career, I note that I have staff in 
my office who were just learning to walk then, a first-class stamp cost 
about 15 cents, and the State budget was at the incredible level of $20 
billion.
  Having graduated from the FBI Academy, Senator Presley went on to a 
successful career in law enforcement. He maintained that interest in 
protecting and serving the public in the senate by concentrating on 
anticrime legislation, prison construction, and child-protective 
services. Though that is not all, Mr. Speaker. Bob authored major 
legislation on clean air, wildlife conservation, toxic-materials 
control, education reform, attorney discipline, parks and recreation, 
and domestic violence.
  Known as one of the hardest-working legislators, Senator Presley's 
committee service was comprehensive. He was chairman of the senate 
appropriations committee and the senate select committee on children 
and youth. He served on and was chairman of the senate natural 
resources and wildlife committee. He sat on the judiciary local 
government and agriculture and water resources committees. He also 
headed the joint committee on prison construction and operations. Not 
only did Bob work hard, he worked openly and fairly with all, 
regardless of party affiliation. He was, and is, interested in the 
improvement of California as his first, second and third priorities.
  Knowing that the wellspring of leadership is found in the local 
community, Bob is a member of the Riverside Lions, Elks and Moose 
lodges, American Legion, Air Force Association, and VFW.
  Mr. Speaker, people here in Washington will often be introduced as 
the member from the ``great State of California.'' Yet, who is it that 
makes California great? Who is it that makes our State that wonderful 
place in which we want to raise our families, grow our businesses, 
build our dreams.
  It is citizen leaders like Bob Presley who consistently listen and 
learn, and then lead our communities to reach their full potential. It 
is the personal friend who without regard to mere party, will gladly 
and fruitfully guide younger politicians and community leaders. It is 
the decorated combat veteran who returns victorious, only to dedicate 
himself to keeping the peace at home. It is the enlightened legislator 
who serves his fellow citizens for two decades in the senate. It is 
Senator Robert Presley, a true original who is worthy of the sincerest 
form of flattery--imitation. Fortunately, we will still enjoy the 
expertise and concern of Senator Presley. He is now affiliated with our 
wonderful University of California, Riverside. We all look forward to 
working with Bob in this next chapter of his public service.
  Thank you Bob for all you've done and the example you've set. All of 
your neighbors and fellow citizens owe you more than we can say.


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