[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 92 (Thursday, June 26, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S6556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF MATTAWA, WA

 Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, last weekend, I had the opportunity 
to spend time along the banks of the Columbia River in the town of 
Mattawa, WA. I held a field hearing there to explore various proposals 
to preserve a stretch of the Columbia River's pristine beauty, and to 
ensure that one of our State's great natural assets remains protected.
  The community of Mattawa opened its doors to me, to my staff, and to 
all of those who testified at and attended the public hearing, which 
attracted nearly 1,000 people. I want to thank the people of the 
community who so generously welcomed us, and worked so diligently to 
ensure that our hearing was a success. Without their attention to 
detail and enthusiasm, such civil discourse in so comfortable a setting 
would not have been possible. We could not have asked for finer hosts.
  Our public hearing was held at the Saddle Mountain Intermediate 
School, in Mattawa. I would especially like to thank Dr. Bill Miller, 
superintendent of the Wahluke School District for all of his efforts on 
our behalf. Also, I would like to thank all of those in law 
enforcement, the school staff, and the volunteers who made our hearing 
such a success:
  Mattawa Mayor Judy Essor; Ms. Luz Juarez-Stump, Saddle Mountain 
Intermediate School principal; Ms. Karen Hilliker, Saddle Mountain 
Intermediate School secretary; Mr. Mike Holland, Middle School 
principal; Mary Jane Holland, Wahluke School District staff; Mr. Steven 
Buckingham, teacher and advisor for the class of 1998; Ms. Lark Moore, 
Ms. Polly Weeks and Ms. Marlene Bird, staff for the Wahluke School 
District; Students from the Wahluke High School class of 1998, who 
provided us with wonderful refreshments; Andrea Eckenbuerg, chairwoman 
of the parent volunteers; Mr. Scott Egan, technical director for the 
school; Mr. Tim Schrag, maintenance supervisor; Chief of Policy Randy 
Blackburn and Chief Criminal Deputy Bryan Pratt who coordinated 
security for us.
  These individuals made our visit comfortable and enjoyable, and I 
hope some day soon to be able to return to this beautiful, friendly 
part of our State.
  Thank you all.

                          ____________________