[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 141 (Wednesday, October 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING RITA Z. SCHNIDT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to rise today to 
recognize Rita Z. Schnidt of Arvada, Colorado for her decades of 
tireless volunteerism and political activism.
  This September, Ms. Schnidt, or Rita Z. as many call her, was given 
the Eleanor Roosevelt Award by the Jefferson County Democrats for her 
outstanding achievements in her community. This award is not presented 
to just anyone. The honoree must display tremendous leadership, strong 
dedication to community issues, and years of activity in the Jefferson 
County Democratic Party. Not only does Rita have these qualities, but 
she has a very unique attitude that has been described by many who work 
with her as ``contagious enthusiasm.''
  Ms. Schnidt began her political career in 1974 volunteering on the 
campaign of former Congressman and Senator Tim Wirth. Initially she 
became involved because she enjoyed talking with people and discussing 
important issues in her community. What started as simple campaign work 
soon grew into much more activism. By the end of the 70s, Rita had been 
elected as Secretary and Treasurer of her State Senate and State House 
district committee and began managing local campaigns.
  As wonderful a campaign manager and volunteer as she was, Ms. Schnidt 
found that no political life can be complete without running for 
office. From 1977 to 1979, Ms. Schnidt served on the Arvada City 
Council. She also ran for her State House seat in 1982 and Jefferson 
County Clerk and Recorder in 1998.
  There is no doubt that Rita Schnidt is an outstanding political 
figure in Jefferson County and the City of Arvada, but Rita's greatness 
and generosity did not stop after the November elections. During her 
years in Arvada she also served on the Board of Foothills Mental Health 
Foundation and acted as community liaison for the Arvada Police 
D.A.R.E. Project for drug awareness. In 1983, recognizing her outreach 
to the community and leadership skills, she was named Arvada Woman of 
the Year.
  Through the years Rita Z. has been dedicated to basic principles of 
equality, diversity, and democracy. She remains an active member of 
city, county, and state politics. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to 
rise today in support of this year's Jefferson County Democrats Eleanor 
Roosevelt Award winner, Ms. Rita Z. Schnidt, an extraordinary volunteer 
and community leader, a great mother and grandmother, and a tremendous 
Coloradan.




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