[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 98 (Thursday, July 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MIKE BENNETT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2002

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to express 
gratitude and pay tribute to one of Colorado's outstanding public 
servants, Mike Bennett, who is stepping down this month as Chief of 
Staff to U.S. Senator Wayne Allard. Mike is a true professional who has 
performed his duties with the highest degree of excellence. His 
leadership in Washington on behalf of Colorado will be greatly missed 
but always appreciated.
  Over the past 11 years, Mike Bennett has served our country with 
distinction, carrying out both his personal and professional life with 
dignity, respect and dedication. Beginning first as then-Congressman 
Allard's District Director, Mike later served as Senator Allard's 
Administrative Assistant until his promotion to Chief of Staff in 1999.
  Prior to his public service, Mike Bennett was President of First 
National Bank of Brighton, Colorado, and the Valley Bank of Lyons. Mike 
served as a member of the Board of Directors of Valley Bank of Brighton 
from 1984 to 1996. His banking career from 1977 to 1990 also included 
positions at the Farmers State Bank of Yuma, the Byers State Bank, and 
Valley Bank of Frederick.
  A constituent of the Fourth Congressional District in Colorado, Mike 
Bennett not only makes his community proud but also his state and 
country. He has taken the responsibilities and standards of his job to 
a higher level, and I applaud him now before the House. On behalf of 
the citizens of Colorado, I ask the House to join me in extending 
congratulations to Mike Bennett for his commendable accomplishments.

                          ____________________