[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 77 (Monday, June 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO RICHARD H. MARRIOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 19, 2000

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Richard H. Marriott, 
former mayor of Sacramento. One of our area's most outstanding 
citizens, Mr. Marriott passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2000, due to 
complications with cancer and heart problems. As his friends and family 
gather for his memorial service, I ask all of my colleagues to join 
with me in commemorating his life and many accomplishments.
  Born in Ely, NE, Richard Marriott was one of four children of the 
former Anna Gertude Bernard and Joseph E. Marriott. He graduated from 
Nevada City Union High School in 1935, and he earned his bachelor's 
degree in English from the University of San Francisco in 1940. He went 
on to perform his graduate work at the University of California, 
Berkley.
  Richard Marriott's distinguished political career began in 1959 at a 
time when there was no district system in local politics. Starting in 
1968, he began the first of two terms as mayor of Sacramento.
  In 1975, he was appointed by then-Governor, Jerry Brown, to the State 
Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. Four years later, the governor 
named him deputy secretary of the Health and Welfare Agency. He retired 
from public service in 1982.
  As a city councilman, Richard Marriott made a name for himself in 
championing the defense of organized labor. As mayor, he continued that 
pursuit. In addition to fighting for workers' rights, he served as 
editor and manager of the Valley Union Labor Bulletin. According to 
former mayor Phillip Isenberg, Mr. Marriott was the only modern mayor 
to come from organized labor.
  Among various other accolades, Richard Marriott was credited with 
establishing prevailing wage rates for plumbers and other craftsmen on 
the City Hall payroll. This helped to ensure they were paid equitably 
with their unionized counterparts in the private sector.
  In a time when the mayor's position was mainly a ceremonial job, 
Richard Marriott fought to extend the position's influence. He fought 
for his beliefs and worked to represent the citizens of Sacramento. His 
career was truly exemplary, and he stands out as one of Sacramento's 
finest public servants.
  Mr. Speaker, as Richard Marriott's friends and family gather for his 
memorial service, I am honored to pay tribute to a much admired and 
respected man of our community. He touched so many others with his 
conviction and dedication to his family and the city of Sacramento. I 
ask all of my colleagues to join with me in wishing Mr. Marriott's 
family our deepest condolences for their great loss.

                          ____________________