[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING WILLIAM BURNS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 2003

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
William ``Bill'' Burns, who is being honored on the occasion of his 
retirement as the District Representative of the Operating Engineers in 
Eureka, California.
  Bill Burns, who was born in Richmond, California, has dedicated his 
life to the labor movement in our country. He joined Operating 
Engineers, Local 3 in 1964 as a heavy-duty repair apprentice. After 
graduating from the apprenticeship program, he began his career as a 
mechanic and foreman, gaining experience and expertise on Northern 
California job sites. He was elected the conductor for Local 3 in 1982, 
a position he has been re-elected to in every election thereafter. Bill 
was named Business Representative in 1982 in Santa Rosa, California and 
in 1986 became District Representative in Eureka.
  As a recognized community leader, Bill Burns has served on the Board 
of Directors of United Way; Board Member, Private Industry Council; 
Member, Citizens for Port Development; Secretary-Treasurer, Central 
Labor Council; Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Humboldt-Del Norte 
Building and Construction Trades Council and as a member of the Eureka 
City Schools Closure Committee. He also coached youth soccer for 10 
years.
  An active member of the Democratic Party, Bill serves as Vice-Chair 
and Executive Board member of the Humboldt County Democratic Central 
Committee. In 1992 he was a Clinton delegate to the Democratic 
Convention and serves as an Executive Board Member of the California 
Democratic Party. In 1998, Bill Burns was named Humboldt County 
Democrat of the Year.
  Bill Burns has lived his life with a conscientious and sincere 
commitment to working people and our democratic traditions. Raising the 
standard of living for those whose daily labor sustains our nation has 
been his life's work.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Bill 
Burns for his contributions and service to the people of our country.

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