[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E155-E156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MAYOR GARTH G. GARDNER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2001

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I wish to honor a truly remarkable 
public servant in my

[[Page E156]]

Congressional district. Mayor Garth G. Gardner is retiring as mayor of 
Pico Rivera, Calif., capping off a public career that expands nearly 50 
years.
  Mr. Gardner was born on September 25, 1922 in Carbon County, Utah, 
graduating from Carbon County High School in 1940. After attending 
Carbon County Junior College for two years, Mr. Gardner enlisted in the 
U.S. Air Force. Based in New Guinea in the South Pacific, he flew 29 
missions against the enemy in a B-24 liberator, with a crew of 10 
servicemen. For his acts of bravery and honor during World War II, I 
presented Mayor Gardner with the Purple Heart Medal on Veterans Day, 
November 11, 2000.
  Following his return to the United States, Mr. Gardner married Mary 
Ponti on December 30, 1945. Six days after his marriage, Garth was 
discharged from the U.S. Air Force and soon began pursuing a Bachelor 
of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of 
Southern California, graduating in 1948. Following his graduation, Mr. 
Gardner settled in Pico Rivera, where he raised his three sons.
  Mayor Gardner began his career working for the Los Angeles County 
Flood Control District for 25 years and retired from the County in 
1976. Elected to the Pico Rivera City Council in 1972, Mayor Gardner 
has been re-elected every four years and will serve until his 
retirement next month. Also, during his tenure on the City Council, Mr. 
Gardner served as Mayor in 1974, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1998 and 
2000. Mayor Gardner has also served on numerous commissions and 
coalitions throughout his public career.
  I am truly honored to know and have worked with Mayor Gardner during 
his illustrious career and wish him and his family much happiness in 
the future.

                          ____________________