[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 21 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MAYOR RICK ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2006

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
great American, a dedicated Oregonian, an avid Oregon Duck fan, and a 
good friend of mine, Mayor Rick Allen. Throughout his career, Mayor 
Allen has played a significant role in shaping the City of Madras, 
while paving the way for future development and growth. Today, we thank 
him for his years of public service and recognize the numerous 
contributions he's made during his tenure in office.
  Mr. Speaker, following graduation from Madras High School in 1975, 
Rick took over as the manager of the local bowling ally. It was there 
that he began learning the ways of the business world. His hard work at 
the bowling alley gave him the experience and knowledge that led him to 
his next business endeavor as the manager of the Tiger Mart. It didn't 
take long until Rick had purchased Tiger Mart and turned it into a 
thriving gas station and mini mart. Soon, he'd be on to even bigger and 
better endeavors.
  First elected in 1982, at the young age of 25, Rick embarked into the 
world of politics as a member of the Madras City Council. His business 
savvy brought efficiency and effectiveness to his elected post and to 
the operation of local government. Rick served 6 years as a member of 
the city council, and served as the mayor for the last 2 years. 
Following his service on the city council, Mayor Allen went on to serve 
8 years as a Jefferson County Commissioner, continuing his role of 
public stewardship.
  Mr. Speaker, following a brief departure from elected office, Rick's 
dedication and devotion to his community called him back for a second 
tour of duty. In 2000, the City of Madras faced great uncertainty with 
alleged scandals and wrongdoings within the city government. During 
these tumultuous times, Rick recognized the need for stability and 
consistent leadership, which encouraged and inspired him to mount a 
write-in candidacy to once again return to serve as the Mayor of 
Madras. He was overwhelmingly elected in 2001, securing 80 percent of 
the vote and upon election immediately went to work to rebuild and 
restore trust within the community.

  Mr. Speaker, those who know Rick best will tell you that he's not one 
to back down from a challenge and he's not afraid to make an unpopular 
decision if he believes it is best for the community. During his 
tenure, Rick tackled challenges and controversy head on. He was a 
visionary for growth, led the charge for expansion, and has been a 
champion for economic development in the region. Under his leadership, 
the city acquired industrial land near the airport while making 
significant improvements and enhancements to the airport property. Rick 
has been a strong advocate for recreation and rafters who float along 
the lower Deschutes River. He was a key player in East Madras 
Development Project, which will establish 1,700 new homes, an 18-hole 
golf course, over 60 acres of open space, and 20 acres set aside for 
the local schools.
  Mr. Speaker, these illustrate just a few of Mayor Allen's 
accomplishments during a long and distinguished career. I ask that my 
fellow colleagues join me in congratulating this extraordinary man and 
great American. For years to come the region will flourish and 
residents will benefit from the foundation and vision that Mayor Allen 
has pursued. I wish Rick the best in future endeavors, and personally, 
I would like to thank him for all he's done for the people of Jefferson 
County, the Second Congressional District, and the great state of 
Oregon.

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