[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1039-E1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE RUTH GALANTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2003

  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a close friend, a remarkable 
public servant and courageous advocate for the people of California--
the Honorable Ruth Galanter. Ruth is retiring from the Los Angeles City 
Council after 16 years of service, where her insights, legislative 
acumen, and keen intellect will be sorely missed.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no magic formula for determining what makes a 
good public servant, but in Ruth Galanter all the ingredients for 
success were there. Ruth brought her intelligence, wit, and political 
skills to bear on behalf of her constituents, her community and 
countless important causes. And all the people of Los Angeles benefited 
from her ability to get things done.
  It has been my great pleasure to work with Ruth on many of these 
causes. Just last month, Ruth and I participated in a ceremony with the 
Army Corps of Engineers commemorating the installation of tidal gates 
along the Ballona Creek in my district. The gates will help preserve 
scarce wetlands, restore critical habitat, and provide recreational and 
educational opportunities for the community for years to come.
  The project, more than 10 years in the making, is a perfect 
illustration of a top-notch public servant at the peak of her powers. 
Ruth Galanter's ability to focus on a particular outcome; to build and 
nurture diverse coalitions; to bring together all levels of government 
in support of a common goal; her fundamental and unwavering commitment 
to a healthy environment--these are the gifts that she unselfishly 
shared with the community.
  Over the years, Ruth's work resulted in the preservation of the Bolsa 
Chica Wetlands and the El Segundo Dunes, and she spearheaded efforts to 
clean up Santa Monica Bay and conserve the Ballona wetlands. She led 
the effort to renovate Venice Beach and preserve the Venice Pier.
  She has promoted smart growth and sustainable development, advocated 
for a regional airport system and high-speed rail, and tirelessly 
promoted water conservation and recycling.
  While this chapter of Ruth Galanter's public service may be coming to 
a close, she leaves

[[Page E1040]]

behind a proud and lasting legacy. The crowning achievement of an 
environmentalist is to leave the earth a little cleaner, a little 
greener and a little brighter than when they started. Ruth Galanter has 
accomplished this and more.

                          ____________________