[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 153 (Tuesday, October 28, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE OF ROBERT L. WONDER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 28, 2003

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert L. Wonder, 
Assistant City Manager in the City of Alameda, California. Mr. Wonder 
has announced his retirement at the end of 2003, having served the 
public for over 30 years. Following his military service in the Marine 
Corps, he became a dedicated employee of the City of Alameda for 28 
years. Mr. Wonder joined the city's workforce in 1975 through CETA, a 
federally funded training program, and became the Assistant City 
Manager in 1980.
  During his tenure with the City of Alameda, Mr. Wonder has served as 
Interim City Manager several times; worked on the Cooperative Services 
Agreement with the U.S. Navy successfully negotiating $18 million of 
federal funding to the City to operate and maintain the base during the 
property transfer period; worked with the Airport Operations Committee 
and the Citizens League for Airport Safety and Serenity, as well as the 
Cable TV Advisory Committee. He has also been involved with the City of 
Alameda's efforts to construct a new main library and he has a 
reputation for trying to make local government more understandable, 
responsive and accessible to citizens.
  In 1998, Mr. Wonder received the Alameda Times Star Man of the Year 
Award and the League of California Cities John H. Nail Memorial Award. 
He was honored as one of 1998's Distinguished Municipal Assistants by 
the Municipal Management Association of Northern California, of which 
he has been an active member since 1967. Mr. Wonder has also served as 
a mentor in the Intergovernmental Management Training Program for 20 
years. During his tenure teaching a public administration course at 
California State University, Hayward, he inspired students to seek 
public office.
  Mr. Wonder is also extensively involved in community organizations 
and events. He has shown his commitment to the community by serving as 
a member and officer of the Board of Directors for numerous community 
and civic organizations such as Girls' Inc., Foundation for Educational 
Excellence, Rotary Club, Alameda Chapter of the Navy League, Chamber of 
Commerce and Immanuel Lutheran Church. He has spent countless hours 
volunteering in the community, such as delivering for Meals on Wheels, 
the Annual Run for the Parks, the Mayor's Fourth of July parade, the 
American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, career days for local 
schools, City festivals and beach clean-up days.
  On Saturday, November 15, 2003, a retirement gala to honor Rob Wonder 
will be held on the USS Hornet in Alameda. I join the friends and 
admirers of this outstanding public servant in wishing him well on his 
retirement. He has served with distinction and left an indelible mark 
of service and caring on the City of Alameda.

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