[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1999-E2000]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING BILL SWENSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bill 
Swenson for his eight years of dedicated service to the Colorado 
General Assembly.
  Before being elected to the Colorado House of Representatives, Bill 
Swenson had already established a long and distinguished career in

[[Page E2000]]

public service. He was elected to the Longmont City Council in 1977 and 
served as the City's Mayor from 1981-1985. He also served as the 
Boulder County Republican Chairman from 1993-1994.
  I had the good fortune to serve with Bill in the Colorado State 
House. I found him to be an affable, effective policy maker willing to 
reach across policy lines to act in the best interest of Colorado. Most 
important of all, Bill had a reputation for basing his votes on 
principle, and not on party or politics. At a time when voters seem to 
feel increasingly disenfranchised by what they view as partisan 
dogmatism, Bill Swenson represents public service that transcends 
partisanship.
  He is a recognized leader on transportation and served as the 
Chairman of the Transportation and Energy Committee. His values of 
practicality and fiscal responsibility helped shape the tone for the 
entire transportation debate. In addition, he has worked to find common 
sense ways to encourage investment in renewable energy resources and 
enhance the diversification of energy resources in Colorado. These 
efforts may not result in colorful political sound-bites, but they will 
inevitably lead to a stronger economy and future generations of 
Coloradans will took back on Bill's service with gratitude.
  I am proud to have served with Bill Swenson and proud to call him my 
friend. I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring him for his 
exceptional service, I thank him for his good work, and I wish him 
continued good health and success in the future.

                          ____________________