[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 9 (Wednesday, February 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE SERVICE OF ELAINE T. VALENTE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 2005

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a 
good friend and a hard-working public servant, Ms. Elaine Valente. 
Elaine is retiring as a Commissioner for Adams County, Colorado after 
16 years of dedicated service.
  Commissioner Valente was born and raised in Adams County Colorado. 
She and her husband Larry own the successful Valente's Deli, are proud 
parents of two accomplished children, and are passionate community 
activists.
  Elaine's interest in her community began long before assuming her 
role as County Commissioner. She served on the Adams County Planning 
Commission, the City of Westminster Urban Renewal Authority, the 
Westminster Planning Commission, the Citizen's Evaluation for Retention 
of Judges, and the School District 50 Superintendent's Parent Advisory 
Committee.
  Her deep passion to give something back to her community and to help 
improve Colorado is what motivated her to run for County Commissioner 
in 1988. Elaine was victorious in that election and quickly became an 
outspoken advocate for Adams County's communities. As Chairman of the 
Board of County Commissioners she took an interest in many issues 
affecting her constituency, helping pave the way for future economic 
development, transportation improvements, air traffic investments and 
reform of county services. When I was elected to Congress in 1998 I 
knew that one of my first objectives was to learn as much as I could 
from Elaine, not only about one of Colorado's fastest growing 
communities, but also about effective public service.
  Elaine is the kind of person who speaks her mind with a blend of 
honest bluntness and old-school graciousness. As a daughter of Italian-
Americans she also established a reputation for leadership on behalf of 
ethnic minorities.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Elaine 
Valente and in wishing her success in all her future endeavors. It has 
been a true privilege to work with such a remarkable woman.

                          ____________________