[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 96 (Friday, July 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1290-E1291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO DAVID GILMORE, DIRECTOR OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING 
                               AUTHORITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 2000

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's capital is a much 
better place in which to live because of the many contributions made by 
David Gilmore. Since he has become the Director of the District of 
Columbia Housing Authority, we have a better understanding of those 
qualities that make up a dedicated public servant.
  Only a few years ago, our capital city was referred to as a ``broken 
city.'' Its poor housing was seen as a primary reflection of that 
reality. The local authority was burdened with dilapidated public 
housing projects, residents wary of any intervention and federal 
investigations that threatened severe funding cuts or total elimination 
of the department. Enter Judge Steffen Graae who appointed David 
Gilmore as a receiver of the local authority. Almost overnight, things 
began to change. With an intense commitment to the residents being 
served, he rebuilt much of the District's public housing.
  During the years I was privileged to chair the House Appropriations 
Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and 
Independent Agencies, I found I could always rely upon David Gilmore 
for his practical analysis of the challenges we face trying to improve 
those services that need to

[[Page E1291]]

be provided in a public housing system. Because of his integrity, he 
rebuilt the trust and confidence of residents that the housing 
authority could provide quality service to those most in need.
  David insists that the interests of residents come first. Residents 
are treated with respect and encouraged to participate in training 
programs such as developing computer skills. Families are encouraged to 
focus upon children in school and residents to participate in helping 
to manage the properties in which they live.
  Mr. Speaker, if every major urban community had a housing director 
with the personal commitment and skills of David Gilmore, we would be 
much closer to solving the difficulties facing public housing. By 
showing that public housing can work, David Gilmore has done much to 
restore confidence in federal housing programs. David has made a major 
contribution to that effort to make our capital the ``shining city on 
the hill.''

                          ____________________