[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO PAUL KOENIG

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 15, 2000

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul Koenig, an 
outstanding employee of San Mateo County, CA, who is retiring after 22 
years of exceptional service to his community, his county and his 
country. He has served as Director of Environmental Services, Planning 
Director, Chief Building Official and Executive Director of the San 
Mateo Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo).
  Paul Koenig's long and devoted career in public service began in 
September, 1965, when he joined Broward County, FL, as a Planner in the 
Research Division. In September 1966, he moved to California to work 
for the San Diego County Planning Department, where he became the Chief 
of Planning in 1976. In April 1978, Mr. Koenig relocated to the Bay 
Area and was hired by San Mateo County as Planning Director. He was 
soon appointed to other demanding leadership positions, all of which he 
carried out with equal diligence, commitment and expertise.
  Paul Koenig's accomplishments in San Mateo County are numerous. His 
most outstanding accomplishments include the adoption of the first 
county Local Coastal Program (LCP) that was adopted and certified 
pursuant to the California Coastal Act of 1976; The Habitat 
Conservation Plan (HCP) for San Bruno Mountain, which was the first of 
its kind in the country to succeed in balancing the interests of 
private property owners with the need to preserve habitat for 
endangered species; the Coastside farm labor housing project in Half 
Moon Bay; the Devil's Slide tunnel project; the establishment of 
Edgewood County Park and Sawyer Camp Trail; and the establishment of a 
Joint Powers Authority to operate the County library system.
  Paul Koenig's distinguished and successful career can be attributed 
to his professional skills, his work ethic and his personal 
characteristics. His flexibility and negotiating skills, along with his 
helpful nature and sense of humor earned him the respect of all those 
who worked with him. In addition, Mr. Koenig never neglected the day-
to-day problems while keeping his focus on achieving larger goals.
  We are all very grateful to Paul for his long commitment to public 
service. His vision, knowledge and commitment have helped immeasurably 
to improve the quality of life for our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute 
to a wonderful and distinguished man, my friend, and wish him all the 
best in his retirement.

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