[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E533-E534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING KEN SLAVENS OF SAINT HELENA, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2005

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my 
dear friend, Ken Slavens, of Saint Helena, California, for his 21 years 
of public service. His outstanding leadership and commitment have 
helped to make my hometown the incredible community that it is today.
  Born and raised in Saint Helena, Ken's appreciation, love, and 
devotion to protecting and preserving this small, unique community are 
obvious from his many years of dedicated service. With an innate 
knowledge of his community and unyielding compassion, Ken was elected 
to the office of City Council in 1994. His energy, drive, and 
undeniable hard work are only a few of the many reasons that he was 
appointed as Vice Mayor in 1997. Shortly thereafter in 1999, Ken was 
elected Mayor of Saint Helena.
  Mr. Speaker, during his tenure on the City Council and as Mayor, Ken 
has been a strong advocate for Saint Helena on numerous boards 
throughout Napa County and California. These include the Long Range 
Water

[[Page E534]]

Task Force, Napa County Cities Mayors Council, the Association of Bay 
Area Government, and the North Bay League of California Cities just to 
name a few. As Mayor, he tackled important and complicated issues 
ranging from job training and employment for the disadvantaged, to 
flood control and improving local water supplies. He also worked 
arduously with the Napa County Flood Control District to protect Saint 
Helena from dangerous and destructive winter flooding. He is also 
recognized for spearheading the creation of the new Saint Helena First 
Station.
  Mr. Speaker, Ken has even risked his own life on multiple occasions 
in order to protect his fellow citizens. From 1976 to 1978 he served as 
Captain of the Saint Helena Police Reserves. After his time with the 
Police Department, he selflessly devoted the next seven years to the 
Saint Helena Volunteer Fire Department. During his time there, his 
passion for protecting and serving the community earned him 
overwhelming respect and praise from his fellow fire fighters. As a 
result, he has been recognized as an Honorary Member of the Fire 
Department.
  When not working with the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Sierra 
Club, or other local organizations Ken and his wife Barbie look forward 
to cruising through the Napa Valley on their Screaming Eagle Harley 
Davidson.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that we thank and honor Ken Slavens 
for his passion, dedication, and numerous contributions to this 
community. We wish him the best in all his future endeavors.

                          ____________________