[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF MR. ROBERT VILMUR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2003

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor the 
career of Mr. Robert Vilmur, who retires this week after 38 years of 
distinguished service to the Los Angeles community.
  Mr. Vilmur began his public service career in 1965 with California's 
first community action agency, the Economic and Youth Opportunities 
Agency. As part of the agency, he helped administer a variety of 
poverty reduction programs, including employment training and Head 
Start.
  Additionally, he committed himself and the agency to work toward 
improving community based organizations in impoverished and underserved 
areas like East and South Central Los Angeles. Mr. Vilmur later 
continued helping community based organizations working as staff for 
the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act Program, where he 
evaluated employment and training programs to ensure that they served 
our community's needs.
  In the next stage of his career, Mr. Vilmur joined forces with then 
Mayor Tom Bradley to combat homelessness. As head of Los Angeles' 
Homeless Steering Committee, he worked in collaboration with the City's 
growing shelter system to create a network of government and nonprofit 
organizations dedicated to ending homelessness. He was also 
instrumental in shaping the committee's direction by developing new 
operational procedures. During this tenure several of his efforts, 
including the City's Mobile Ombudsperson program, received national 
recognition.
  In the spring of 1987, Mr. Vilmur became manager of the City's 
Outdoor Homeless Encampment, and he was later asked to serve as the 
City's first Homeless Programs Coordinator. As coordinator, he helped 
increase funding for the Community Service Block Grants and he 
redirected traffic funds to safety programs. Under his guidance, 
California's Traffic and Safety Program drastically reduced fatalities, 
injuries, and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes.
  The City of Los Angeles is grateful for Mr. Vilmur's service and 
dedication to improving our quality of life. On behalf of the City, I 
thank him for his many years of public service and I wish him well in 
all his future endeavors.

                          ____________________