[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO DON PEACH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to Don Peach and thank him for his extraordinary 
contributions to the town of Rangely. His dedication as Mayor to both 
his job and the people of Rangely is matched only by the level of 
integrity and honesty with which he has conducted himself each and 
every day while at his post. As Mayor, he will always be remembered as 
a man with the utmost dedication and talent, and will continue to be 
known as a leader in the community. As he celebrates his retirement, 
let it be known that I, along with each and every person with whom he 
has worked and the people of Rangely, are eternally grateful for all 
that he has accomplished in his distinguished tenure.
  When Don arrived in Rangely, the town was mired in financial 
difficulties, and he quickly set out to turn things around. He 
effectively reduced property taxes, implemented numerous successful 
grant programs and tightened the accounting reins by emphasizing strict 
financial administration. Also upon his arrival, plans were already in 
the offing to build the Desperado Mine, which was projected to bring an 
additional 35,000 people to the town. At the time, Rangely was ill 
prepared to accommodate such a massive influx of people, but Don 
successfully built up the infrastructure to handle the increased 
population. In order to house the new workers, he acquired land from 
the Bureau of Land Management for the La Mesa Development, and 
subsequently began a number of housing programs. He also initiated a 
program of utility plant expansions in order to provide the necessary 
power and infrastructure for the town.
  Don was also a strong advocate of bolstering community pride. He 
succeeded in changing residents' attitudes toward their town through 
the implementation of a town-wide beautification project. Through 
numerous grants and support from the town council, a Center Square was 
built, downtown facades were refurbished, an adopt-a-tree program was 
put in place, and street, curb and sidewalk improvements were 
initiated. He was also a strong advocate of community development, 
creating the Rangely Development Agency and the Rangely Development 
Corporation, as well as putting in place a number of development 
regulations in the town. He also established the Foundation for Public 
Giving and has worked tirelessly on the Rangely Museum Project.
  Don is presently working on the Rangely School Foundation, which he 
helped to create and fund, and is also active in a number of other 
organizations. He serves on the Northwest Colorado Resource Advisory 
Council, which he has chaired for several years, is a board member of 
the Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce, the CNCC Foundation and the 
Rangely Museum Society, and serves on the University of Colorado 
Business Community Council. I have personally had the opportunity to 
work with Don in his capacity as Mayor and as chair of the Northwest 
Colorado Resource Advisory Council, and have always been astounded at 
his hard work and dedication. Needless to say, Don is a genuine 
philanthropist and an extraordinary public servant. -
  Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Don Peach is a man of unparalleled 
dedication and commitment to his professional endeavors, his 
philanthropic endeavors and to the people of his community. It is his 
unrelenting passion for each and every thing he does, as well as his 
spirit of honesty and integrity with which he has always conducted 
himself, that I wish to bring before this body of Congress. He is a 
remarkable man, who has achieved extraordinary things in his career and 
for his community. It is my privilege to extend to him my 
congratulations on his retirement as Mayor of the town of Rangely, and 
wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

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