[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 39 (Thursday, March 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO KEITH COMRIE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 1999

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize the 
career of one of Los Angeles' leading public officials. After 35 years 
of public service, Mr. Keith Comrie is retiring as the City 
Administrative Officer for the City of Los Angeles. During his 
illustrious career, Mr. Comrie served both the City and the County of 
Los Angeles, making significant contributions to both governments.
  Mr. Comrie grew up in South-Central Los Angeles and first entered 
public service with the City of Los Angeles in 1963, after earning a 
Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Masters in Public 
Administration from the University of Southern California. He moved to 
the County government in 1969 where he rose to become the Director of 
the Department of Public Social Services receiving statewide 
recognition from Governor Ronald Reagan for saving County taxpayers 
$120 million per year and for making the welfare system one of the most 
responsive and efficient in the state.
  In 1979, Mr. Comrie returned to the City of Los Angeles at the 
request of Mayor Tom Bradley to serve as the City Administrative 
Officer. He has served in that position for 19 years, including one 
year as interim Administrator of the $200 million Community 
Redevelopment Agency. During Mr. Comrie's tenure of service, the City 
of Los Angeles has seen its economic base expand to keep pace with 
population increases that have made it not only the second largest city 
in the nation but a city of world class status.
  Today, Mr. Comrie can look with pride at his role in successfully 
steering the City through the recession of the early 1990's with 
balanced budgets. During this time, he helped maintain the City's 
position as one of the best managed cities in the nation. Additionally, 
he played a key role in most of the major developments in the City, 
including such landmark projects as the renovated Central Library, the 
Los Angeles Convention Center, and the Staples Center Arena. He also 
played a central role in rebuilding the City after the 1994 Northridge 
Earthquake and oversaw over $3 billion in capital improvement projects 
such as libraries, fire and police facilities, and sewer system 
reconstruction.
  Many of these projects are in my Congressional District, which 
includes much of the central business district of the City of Los 
Angeles. Therefore, I can attest to the significance of these projects, 
many of which were started under Mr. Comrie's watch.
  Mr. Comrie oversaw a staff of more than 100 and worked with over 30 
council members during the terms of two mayors. Mr. Comrie's 
accomplishments on behalf of the City of Los Angeles have been 
recognized by his peers. Of his many prestigious awards, he is very 
proud of being named the ``Best City Administrative Officer in 
America'' by City and State Magazine.
  At 59, Mr. Comrie and his wife Sandra McNutt-Comrie can look foward 
to many productive years in retirement during which he can pursue his 
interests in cars and auto racing while taking satisfaction in a job 
well done for the City of Los Angeles.

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