[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S4456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF MR. 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. He is currently a member of the 
Colorado River Commission and a member of the Board of Trustee for the 
Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union Welfare/
Pension Funds.
  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 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 
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 god 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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