[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 13 (Monday, February 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING MARK ACHEN UPON HIS RETIREMENT

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 14, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize 
a man who has dedicated over 16 years of his life to the City of Grand 
Junction, Colorado. Mark Achen has given immeasurably and made great 
personal sacrifices to ensure Grand Junction's health and well-being.
  Since 1984, Mark has been the City Manager of Grand Junction and has 
seen the city grow and prosper. Working with seven different city 
council members who each had a different agenda and policy perspective 
was no small chore. Mark's calm demeanor stood out amid contentious 
debate over Grand Junction's numerous issues, including still, 
annexation policy in the late 1980's and into the 1990's. He was a 
reservoir of institutional knowledge during negotiations to end a long-
running dispute between the city and Mesa County over the Persigo Wash 
Wastewater Treatment Plant. Achen brought the city from economic 
devastation to incredible increases in sales tax revenues.
  Leaving the position of City Manager will enable Mark to spend more 
time reading, hiking, climbing, fishing and boating. Above all, Mark 
will get to spend more time with his family and friends.
  It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute 
and say thank you to, my friend, Mark Achen. He is a man that has given 
selflessly for many years to make Grand Junction the wonderful city it 
is today.

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