[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 14 (Thursday, February 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO JERRY LEONE ON HER RETIREMENT FROM THE PUBLIC POWER COUNCIL

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                         HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2005

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I'm sure it comes as no surprise to my 
colleagues that I have a special appreciation for those that are 
unafraid to speak their mind, expose absurd policies for what they are, 
and bluntly and forcefully announce when the emperor has no clothes.
  It is with mixed feelings, therefore, that I speak to my colleagues 
today on the upcoming retirement of Jerry Leone from the helm of the 
Public Power Council--the regional organization representing the 
interests of the customers of the Bonneville Power Administration.
  Jerry is one of those rare individuals willing to provide unvarnished 
opinions. But she has more than the ability to distill complex issues 
into clear and unvarnished analysis and critique. Jerry provides clear 
insights, bold ideas and an uncanny ability to herd the often disparate 
interests within public power.
  Jerry has been at the helm of PPC for more than a decade, guiding the 
region's public power systems through numerous challenges, including 
treatment of the region's aluminum plants, skyrocketing electricity 
rates, the West Coast energy crisis, formation of a Regional 
Transmission Organization, ESA listings and a review of the future of 
Bonneville. Public power, the region and the Northwest delegation are 
fortunate to have had the benefit of Jerry's insights and efforts 
throughout this effort.
  Jerry is not merely a public power icon. She's a lawyer, a wannabe 
lineman, a retired member of the Coast Guard Reserves, an accordion 
player, and a journalistic wit.
  I wish her the best in her retirement and thank her for her advocacy 
and tenacity expressed through numerous wry comments, witty insights 
and cogent observations.

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