[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 10 (Thursday, January 30, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD WISHES TO MARK SMITH

 Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise to recognize and offer my 
deep gratitude to legislative director, Mark Smith, who tomorrow, after 
14 years of public service, will leave our office to pursue a career in 
the private sector.
  I first became acquainted with Mark in 1983, when he joined my office 
as a legislative correspondent. He worked on my second campaign for the 
Senate as a driver and advance worker. After attending law school, he 
returned to my staff as a natural resources expert, and finally became 
legislative director in 1993. Very rarely in my life have I met someone 
who so embodies the qualities of integrity, hard work, perseverance, 
and loyalty.
  Mark's family comes from Thompson Falls in the northwest section of 
Montana. That part of our State is known around the world for its 
spectacular forests and mountains. And it is known throughout Montana 
for the respect its people hold for the land; for their strong ties of 
family and friendship; and for their old-fashioned values and work 
ethic.
  All these have put their stamp on Mark, and Mark brings them to work 
every day.
  He is an expert on the environment and natural resources. On these 
issues, Mark has always been able to find the elusive but essential 
balance. He has helped preserve Montana's most beautiful natural 
riches, while at the same time promoting and protecting the natural 
resource jobs that sustain so many Montana families. The preservation 
of Pompey's Pillar, the beauty of the Fort Peck Reservoir, and the 
prosperity of many Montana businesses are due in large part to Mark's 
appreciation of our great outdoors.
  He has a respect for public service and reverence for the law that 
come right from the heart. Of Mark's many accomplishments here, perhaps 
the one that has made me proudest comes from this unique quality. That 
is the confirmation of two Montanans, Sid Thomas and Ron Molloy, as 
Federal judges. Mark helped me create a selection process that brought 
two of the most qualified individuals in America to the Federal bench. 
And that will benefit every Montanan for many years to come.
  He has a rock solid work ethic and a deep respect for working men and 
women. Mark himself comes in to the job early and stays late. And when 
the Senate goes out on recess, Mark travels throughout Montana 
listening and learning from millworkers, farmers, small business 
owners, and people in every walk of life. And that has helped me more 
than I can say.
  And finally, but perhaps most important of all, Mark is one of the 
most honest, loyal, and dedicated people I have ever met.
  Now Mark is moving on. Everyone in our office will miss a valuable 
coworker, a respected adviser, and a good friend. But I and all the 
rest of us are very proud to have worked with Mark, and we wish him the 
best in the years to come.

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