[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 21 (Monday, March 4, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1419-S1420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNITION OF RICHARD WELDON'S RETIREMENT

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of 
Richard Weldon upon his retirement from the New Castle Conservation 
District Board of Supervisors. Dick served on the Board for twenty-
three years. He has been a respected colleague and remains a trusted 
friend.
  In his twenty-two years as Board Vice Chair, Dick was an effective 
liaison between Delaware's State legislature and State agencies, 
promoting water and soil conservation. He was a strong advocate for the 
role of conservation districts and the driving force behind the 
construction of a new conservation office for the New Castle 
Conservation District and the U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies.
  I had the pleasure of serving alongside Dick's brother, Curt Weldon, 
in the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1992. We all share a 
passion for protecting the environment, an enthusiasm that ensured we 
remained focused over the years to protecting our area's historic and 
open spaces. Together, we worked across party lines to ensure that a 
balance between progress and preservation was struck. Today that 
balance appears precarious without Dick.
  Dick held a position of leadership within the National Association of 
Conservation Districts for many years. As Delaware's Governor, I 
appointed Dick to the Soil and Water Advisory Council. He was also 
Chair of the Coastal and Urban Committee from 1994 to 1997.
  Dick led the Committee to hold the National Urban Conservation 
Conference, the first successful coordination of Federal agencies with 
urban conservation programs. His leadership brought Federal agencies to 
the table, harvesting the support of the U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, the National Resource Conservation Service, and the Federal 
Department of Housing and Urban Development. The successful conference 
pooled their interests, goals and resources and resulted in efficient 
and productive initiatives.

[[Page S1420]]

  After thirty-eight years of service, Mr. Weldon retired from Star 
Enterprises in 1993, having also retired as regional chair of the 
Republican Committee in Delaware in 1978.
  Dick and his wife Fay continue to be active members in their 
community, particularly within their church. The joy of their four 
children and nine grandchildren will undoubtedly keep their days full.
  Richard Weldon defined his career working for clean and practical 
energy solutions, earning a reputation for promoting conservation while 
protecting resources. Upon his retirement he leaves a legacy of 
commitment to public service for both his children and grandchildren 
and the generations that will follow.

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