[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 86 (Friday, June 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING PAUL BERLANT OF WINDSOR, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2005

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Paul Berlant who is retiring after seven years as Town Manager of 
Windsor, California.
  During his tenure, the Town of Windsor experienced a renaissance. The 
Town's old downtown area was redesigned as a vibrant and thriving mixed 
use neighborhood. The Town Green was central to this redevelopment and 
became the focal point for a farmers market, Movies on the Green, 
holiday tree lighting, summer concerts, 4th of July celebration and 
other seasonal festivals.
  This was consistent with Mr. Berlant's vision for orderly development 
throughout the town. The single-family homes in the Vintage Green 
subdivision use recycled water for irrigation. Keiser Park was expanded 
by leveraging federal, state and local grants.
  Mr. Berlant also oversaw the development of the Shiloh Commercial 
Center, the town's new corporation yard, various housing projects and 
the opening of the Arcata Lane/Highway 101 interchange.
  He will be remembered as a skilled negotiator who treated everyone 
fairly and with respect and as someone who was able to interpret the 
Town Council's vision that, as the local newspaper said, ``turned a 
vast vacant lot into a thriving urban center.''
  Mr. Speaker, Paul Berlant has spent 33 years working for cities 
throughout California. He and his wife, Carol Ann, plan to spend time 
with their new grandchild and traveling. It is appropriate that we 
honor him today for his public service and to wish him well on his 
retirement.




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