[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 87 (Monday, July 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1188-E1189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. TOM MESSENGER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 10, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to honor a 
man that has devoted his career to protecting the health of people in 
the great State of Colorado, Tom Messenger. After 30 years of service 
to the citizens of Colorado, Tom is set to retire this week, bringing 
to a close what has been a truly distinguished career.
  As his family, friends and colleagues celebrate Tom's retirement, I 
would like to pay tribute to his substantial efforts to improve the 
quality of life for all Coloradans. His career is eminently deserving 
of both the praise and thanks of this body.
  Tom began his tenure as an environmental health advocate in 1970. He 
first started as a sanitarian for the Tri-County District Health 
Department and, after earning a masters degree, started a career at the 
Colorado Health Department. Early in his career, Tom demonstrated both 
the integrity and the skill needed to conduct a responsible, responsive 
and

[[Page E1189]]

successful food safety program. His ambition and ability gave rise to 
his rapid ascension through the ranks of the Department. In 1980, Tom 
became the Department of Consumer Protection Assistant Director, 
holding that position until 1988. After a brief stint as the 
Department's budget director, Tom later returned to the Consumer 
Protection Division, serving as its appointed Director until today.
  Tom has spent twenty seven years with the Department and his efforts 
to protect Colorado's health have been considerable. He has been the 
catalyst in bringing state, local and federal governments together 
toward mutually agreeable health policies. Throughout his career, Tom 
has been highly effective in bringing these often divergent entities 
together to address emerging health issues. In recent times, Tom has 
made a parade of bold breakthroughs in the Department, including 
providing the leadership at the state level to help ensure the 
successful introduction of a state retail food law, and coordinating a 
proactive action plan with the state dairy industry to address issues 
of antibiotic residues. Although these accomplishments only scratch the 
surface of what Tom has achieved, they both are indicative of the type 
of success that he has repeatedly encountered in his time working for 
the State of Colorado.
  It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to pay tribute to Mr. 
Messenger and his efforts to make his community, state and nation a 
better and healthier place to live. His dedication and know-how have 
distinguished him greatly. The citizens of Colorado owe Tom a debt of 
gratitude and I wish him well during his retirement. Your family, 
friends and colleagues are proud of you, Tom, and we all are thankful 
for your dedicated service over the past three decades.

                          ____________________