[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN RON PACKARD UPON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2000

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my 
friend and colleague from California, Ron Packard. After 18 years of 
service and dedication to his constituents and his country, Ron is 
retiring. While I join my colleagues in wishing him all the best as he 
dedicates himself to some well deserved time with his family, I also 
know that the House is losing a valued and trusted Member.
  Ron Packard's career has been marked by fairness and bipartisanship. 
In his various roles on the Appropriations Committee, Ron has always 
gotten the job done. That's not always an easy task when it comes to 
funding the government, but Ron has done it with integrity, dignity, 
and purpose.
  Ron's career has been marked with distinction since the beginning. 
Even the method of his election was notable. Ron is one of only four 
Members of Congress ever to have won their first election as a write-in 
candidate , but that's not surprising. He had experience as a 
businessman, a school board member, a city councilman, and mayor. He 
knew then what he knows now citizens' needs are best met on the state 
and local level by people who understand them rather than by Washington 
bureaucrats.
  This is the legacy Ron Packard will leave behind. It is characterized 
by hard work, honesty, bipartisanship, leadership, patriotism, and 
strength. It will serve as an example for future legislators as they do 
the people's business. I join my colleagues in wishing Ron a fond 
farewell and a happy retirement.

                          ____________________