[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2018]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF OAKLAND CITY COUNCILMEMBER DICK SPEES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Oakland City 
Councilmember Dick Spees on his retirement after 24 years of 
distinguished service.
  Dick Spees is a leader on issues of economic development, marketing, 
finance, quality of life, public safety, and regional planning. 
Throughout his tenure on the City Council, he has remained committed to 
providing top-notch service and programs to his constituents.
  Bolstering Oakland's economy and creating new recreational and 
educational facilities are top priorities for Dick Spees. He has led 
efforts to found the Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland-Sharing 
the Vision, Oakland Tours, Bay Area Economic Forum, Bay Area World 
Trade Center, and Bay Area Bioscience Center.
  With his support, Oakland has purchased open space, built new 
recreation centers, libraries, and cultural facilities, and upgraded 
emergency response facilities and equipment. The Oakland Fire 
Assessment District and an incentive program that encourages property 
owners to make seismic improvements to their homes were formed under 
his leadership.
  As Chair of the City Council's Rules Committee, Dick Spees has 
overseen campaign finance reform, the sunshine ordinance, the lobbyist 
registration ordinance, and the formation of the public ethics 
commission.
  A true civic leader, Dick Spees has represented Oakland on many Bay 
Area regional agencies, including the Association of Bay Area 
Governments, the Bay Area Economic Forum, the Regional Airport Planning 
Committee, the Bay Area World Trade Center, Oakland Base Reuse 
Authority, the City-Port Liaison Committee, and the BART-Oakland 
Airport Connector Stakeholders Committee.
  I am honored to congratulate Dick Spees on all of his remarkable 
accomplishments. The people of Oakland will lose a true leader with 
Dick Spees' retirement, but his legacy of tireless dedication to 
improving lives will endure.

                          ____________________