[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 58 (Thursday, May 11, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3912-S3913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO RICHARD BUNKER

 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a distinguished 
Nevadan, a good man, and a good friend, Mr. Richard Bunker. Richard 
will be receiving the National Jewish Medical and Research Center's 
Humanitarian Award on June 3, 2000. The Humanitarian Award recognizes 
individuals who have made significant civic and charitable 
contributions, and whose concern is not personal, but for the greater 
community. There is no one more deserving of this honor than Richard 
Bunker.
  Richard's legacy of service to the state of Nevada is long and 
remarkable. He has served as Assistant City Manager of Las Vegas and 
Clark County Manager, before being appointed Chairman of the 
prestigious State Gaming Control Board, and is now a member of the 
Colorado River Commission while being a member of the Board of Trustees 
for the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union 
Welfare/Pension Funds. I was Chairman of the Gaming Commission when 
Richard was Chairman of the Gaming Control Board. We were partners then 
and still are.
  As Chairman of the Colorado River Commission of Nevada, Richard is 
Nevada's ambassador on the Colorado River. With shrewdness and finesse, 
he has developed positive relations with officials of the Colorado 
River basin states. His political skill has firmly reestablished Nevada 
as a player on the important issues of the Colorado River

[[Page S3913]]

community. He also made the critically needed expansion of Southern 
Nevada water facilities a reality when he brokered a financial plan 
with the business, developer, and gaming communities.
  Over the years, Richard Bunker has also been recognized by a variety 
of distinguished organizations. In 1993, he received the prestigious 
Distinguished Nevadan of the Year award from the University of Nevada, 
Las Vegas. The Anti-Defamation League honored Richard with the 
Distinguished Community Service Award in 1996. In June 1999, he was 
presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Nevada Gaming 
Attorneys and the Clark County Bar Association.
  For those of us who have had the pleasure to work closely with 
Richard, as I have, the above awards pale in comparison to his true 
grit. He is knowledgeable of the system of government and totally aware 
of the magic of our system of free enterprise. For the growth and 
development of southern Nevada, no one for the past twenty-five years 
has played a more key role than Richard Bunker.
  On a more personal note, Richard has played an important part in my 
political endeavors. He has been an advisor, counselor, and sounding 
board. Above all else, he is a good listener, for this Richard, I am 
grateful.
  I extend to you my congratulations and the appreciation of all 
Nevadans for your good work on their behalf.

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