[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ON THE RETIREMENT OF LINDA M. JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 2, 2001

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, all of us here know and appreciate the 
important role that a strong and capable staff plays in accomplishing 
the work of the House. Obviously, the same is true throughout 
government and the private sector and that point will be well 
illustrated next week with a ceremony in Long Beach, California, to 
honor a person who has long been a quiet but crucial part of our 
community.
  Linda M. Johnson will retire on May 11, after more than 35 years as 
assistant to the Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach. Across 
more than three decades of service, Linda has seen the Port grow from a 
modest operation next to the U.S. Navy base into one of the largest 
port complexes in the world. Today, the Port of Long Beach is the 
busiest port in North America with thousands of ships dropping off or 
picking up merchandise worth hundreds of billions of dollars. To meet 
the surge in global trade, the Port of Long Beach has been forced to 
adapt and expand, taking over the Navy shipyard and station and 
investing heavily in new docks, cranes, railyards and other 
infrastructure.
  Throughout this period of enormous growth, Linda Johnson served as 
the strong right arm of the port director, managing the endless flow of 
correspondence, reports, meetings, telephone calls and everything else 
that goes with a thriving business that must operate under great 
pressure to meet the demands of global trade. Her quiet efficiency made 
her a vital partner in the port's management and her unfailing courtesy 
to coworkers and visitors made her a friend to one and all.
  When Linda started at the port in 1965, she planned to work for a 
year and then go on to college. Instead, she ended up staying for a 
long, distinguished and rewarding career that has paid great dividends 
for the Port of Long Beach and our entire community. She will be missed 
but she will not be forgotten by all of those friends and colleagues 
who will gather on May 9 to wish her and her husband Bill the very best 
for a long, active and healthy retirement.

                          ____________________