[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 3, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO THE CITY OF HIGHLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 3, 1997

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention the fine work and outstanding success of the citizens of 
Highland, CA. On November 24, 1997, Highland will celebrate ten years 
of existence as a city.
  In light of the rather dire predictions made at the time about the 
city's chance of survival, this is a major milestone in the city's 
history. Many people, particularly the so-called experts, warned in 
1987 against incorporation of the community because they believed the 
proposed city was financially unfeasible and would be bankrupt within 
the first 2 years of existence.
  In his budget transmittal letter back in May 1989, the city manager 
referenced the 1980 Winter Olympic Games held in Lake Placid, NY. 
During those games, ABC Television commentator, Al Michaels, provided 
the play-by-play for the gold medal championship hockey game between 
the United States and Finland. The United States was given very little 
chance of taking the gold medal.
  In the final seconds of the game, when it was apparent that the 
United States would win, Al Michaels emphatically exclaimed, ``Do you 
believe in miracles?'' Successfully completing its first year as a 
city, Highland's success may not have been a miracle, but in early 1989 
it was regarded as quite an accomplishment.
  Nearly 10 years later, Highland is not only still in existence, it is 
in relatively sound financial shape. With sound and prudent financial 
management, the future of the city of Highland looks bright. In fact, I 
believe that the next 10 years hold even more promise for the citizens 
of this great community than the last 10 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and the many 
fine people who live and work in Highland in saluting this community 
for meeting and overcoming many challenges during its first 10 years. 
The success of the city of Highland is certainly worthy of recognition 
by the House today.

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