[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 25 (Wednesday, March 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO GRANT R. BRIMHALL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 11, 1998

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Grant 
Brimhall, who is retiring after over three decades of public service.
  Marian Wright Edelman once said that ``We must not, in trying to 
think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily 
differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences 
that we often cannot foresee.'' I can think of no better tribute to 
Grant. Everyday for the past 20 years, he has come into work with the 
purpose of improving our community. Prior to his position as City 
Manager of Thousand Oaks, Grant served as City Manager of Glendora and 
as Deputy City Manager of Claremont.
  There is not a single aspect of life in Thousand Oaks that has not 
been enhanced under Grant's innovative leadership. Community services 
orchestrated by Grant include the development of the Main Library on 
Janss Road and Newbury Park Branch, two of the busiest libraries in the 
nation. His involvement was instrumental in the establishment of the 
Teen and Senior Center, which provides programs for youth and seniors 
of the community. Grant's efforts have positively affected our economy 
as several companies have expanded, along with the upscale commercial 
revitalization of several shopping centers. Perhaps most impressive 
among Grant's accomplishments is the fact that Thousand Oaks ranks 
among the top three cities with the lowest crime rate in the nation on 
an annual basis.
  Grant has worked to improve the aesthetics of our community as well, 
with a comprehensive pavement management program to prioritize street 
maintenance programs. Other priorities included extensive 
undergrounding of utilities and landscaped medians and parkways.
  Taken individually, it is easy to appreciate the work Grant has done 
for our community, and the programs already mentioned do not begin to 
scratch the surface of his accomplishments. But as we look back over 
his twenty years of service to our community, we realize the 
overwhelming impact Grant has had on our daily lives. Thanks to his 
leadership, courage and dedication, our community is an ideal place to 
raise a family, start a business or become involved in community 
activities.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring 
retiring City Manager of Thousand Oaks, Grant Brimhall. He will be long 
remembered for the outstanding services he has provided for the 
citizens of Los Angeles.

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