[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 73 (Thursday, May 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E973-E974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO TOM BROOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2003

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an amazing 
public servant who will be retiring shortly. For 11 years, Port Aransas 
City Manager Tom Brooks has served his community by showing how smart 
development, a park system, and eco-tourism can be forces for the local 
economy.
  Tom Brooks is the force who--through his smile, friendliness and 
force of personality--negotiated his way through a host of operations 
that brought success to his city, Port A, as it is commonly called in 
South Texas. From the beginning of his service, Tom sought out elements 
of economic growth, showing his steady hand by holding firmly to goals 
outlined in Vision 2000, a city planning guide.
  His service to Port A covers a 100% of park development in Port A 
including: a community park, paradise pond, birding facilities and 
Charlie's Pasture. Of all his accomplishments, the Charlie's Pasture 
project is a point of pride for Tom and the city he served so well. 
Charlie's Pasture will be situated upon 1,500 acres of tidal flats, but 
it includes uplands with trees and a beach area on the bayside.
  Tom's vision for Charlie's Pasture includes all species: local 
residents, South Texas tourists and wildlife. Habitat for the 
endangered Piping Plover and threatened Snowy Plover birds will be 
protected here. The Pasture will be ideal for bird watching, fishing 
and hiking.
  Beyond Port A, Tom's careful financial stewardship of the town leaves 
it in a fiscally advantageous place. At the state, federal and Coastal 
Bend level, Tom leaves Port A with a reputation for finding common 
ground with economic and environmental concerns.
  At the federal level, Tom can take pride in helping shape the Coastal 
Management Plan and the Dune Protection Act, both important legislative 
components to barrier island development. His service will be marked by 
maintaining growth without sacrificing the environment.

[[Page E974]]

  His direct approach gets things done for his community. An open door 
office policy and quick thinking made him a great city manager and a 
unique public official. Through his hard work Tom has earned this 
retirement.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Tom Brooks for his 
tremendous accomplishments during his service to Port A.

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