[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E7]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E7]]
         HONORING SUPERVISOR MEL VARRELMAN UPON HIS RETIREMENT

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2003

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Mel Varrelman as he retires from the Napa County Board of Supervisors. 
Mel's tenure as a Napa County Supervisor is a model for all those who 
are in public office and for all those who value community service.
  During my service in Congress and the California State Senate, I have 
consistently turned to Mel for advice, assistance, and friendship. 
Since Mel was first elected to the St. Helena City Council in 1976 and 
then to the Board of Supervisors in 1982, he has represented his 
district, which includes my home in St. Helena, with sincerity, 
pragmatism and vision. Whether being on the winning side or the losing 
side of votes, Mel always cast his vote in the way he believed would 
improve the lives of his constituents. He has repeatedly demonstrated 
that true leadership often requires taking an unpopular position before 
time is eventually allowed to prove its benefits to all.
  Mel shares a passion for agriculture and open space, particularly in 
the Napa Valley. Mel's steadfast commitment to the preservation of open 
space and agricultural lands in Napa County has allowed our Valley to 
remain as both an economic engine for the region and as one of the most 
beautiful places in the country. During, his tenure, Mel helped enact 
measures including a landmark plan to require a vote of the people to 
rezone land, a hillside ordinance, a 160-acre minimum parcel 
requirement for agriculture, watershed and open space lands, a 
groundwater ordinance and a viewshed ordinance.
  As a private citizen, Mel has also contributed to the well being of 
those in our community. As an accountant and certified financial 
planner, he has helped individuals and small businesses navigate the 
tax code and the confusing world of finance. I often seek Mel's 
analysis of how national tax and fiscal policy will affect the lives of 
the hardworking people of the First Congressional District.
  In addition to serving on the Board of Supervisors, Mel also serves 
on the Napa County Emergency Medical Care Committee, the Upper Valley 
Waste Management Agency, the Napa County Transportation Planning 
Agency, the Local Agency Formation Commission and the Government 
Finance Committee of the California State Association of Counties.
  Mel lives in my hometown of St. Helena with his wife, Rose. They have 
two great children and are wonderful neighbors.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to recognize Napa County Supervisor 
and my friend Mel Varrehman for his tremendous contributions to the 
Napa Valley and its residents. Even as Mel retires as the District 3 
Supervisor, I am confident that he will continue to provide leadership 
in Napa County for many years to come.

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