[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E520]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DOUDE WYSBEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 23, 1999

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a good friend 
and a great leader, Doude Wysbeek, Doude served two separate terms on 
the San Fernando City Council; from 1982-85 and 1989-99. Doude was a 
member of the council for the simple reason that he loves San Fernando, 
where he has lived since 1956. He ran for office to help make a good 
city even better. I can say without hesitation that he succeeded in 
reaching his goal.
  I have been lucky to work with Doude on several occasions in the 
past. I must say that in more than 25 years of public service, I have 
met very few people with Doude's intelligence, dedication and strength 
of character. He had a seemingly endless supply of innovative ideas to 
improve the quality of life for all the people of San Fernando. I know 
I could always count on Doude for sound advice on what the federal 
government could--and should--do for his city.
  It would require a book to list all of Doude's accomplishments as a 
member of the San Fernando City Council. His role in bringing 
businesses to the city, helping to guarantee public safety for all 
residents, and serving as San Fernando's diplomat to the outside world 
cannot be overstated. By mentioning a few of his proudest achievements, 
I don't mean to suggest that this is the complete picture. Doude left a 
legacy that few public-spirited citizens could expect or hope to equal.
  Doude was instrumental in securing passage of anti-gang ordinances at 
two local parks, which in essence returned the parks to law-abiding 
citizens. At the same time, Doude secured funding to hire a County 
probation department to work exclusively with at-risk grammar school 
students in San Fernando, and helped to implement a citywide tattoo 
removal program. San Fernando Police Chief Dominic Rivetti has praised 
Doude for his successful efforts to reduce the gang problem within the 
city.
  Doude also played a key role in bringing Home Depot to San Fernando, 
which created some 40 jobs.
  Doude is a true citizen of San Fernando. In addition to being a 
member of the council, he was President of the San Fernando Chamber of 
Commerce, was Chairman of the Morningside Elementary School Advisory 
Board, held a variety of posts with the San Fernando Lions Clubs and 
was a scout master. he was also San Fernando's representative on the 
Metropolitan Water District Board for 10 years.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Doude Wysbeek, a dedicated 
public servant, and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His 
commitment to his community inspires us all. I am proud to be his 
friend.

                          ____________________