[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E534-E535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO JUDGE DENNIS REYNOLDS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2006

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
great American, dedicated family man, proud Oregonian, outdoorsman, and 
a good friend of mine, Judge Dennis Reynolds. Over the last decade, 
Judge Reynolds has played a significant role in shaping the future of 
Grant County. Today, as the Judge approaches retirement from elected 
public service, we thank him for his years of dedication and recognize 
the numerous contributions he has made during his 12 years in office.
  Mr. Speaker, people in my part of the country have a long and rich 
heritage of being caring stewards of the land and responsible managers 
of the environment. This is a way of life

[[Page E535]]

that Judge Reynolds has embraced, from his days working in the lumber 
industry through his many years of unselfish public service. Judge 
Reynolds has never given up on his belief that to be an Oregonian is to 
love the land and to treat it with great respect.
  The Judge has worked tirelessly at the local level to promote and 
support good stewardship and sound policies that protect our 
communities and our precious forests from the threats of catastrophic 
wildfire, windstorms, and bug infestation. In a county where the 
majority of its land is in public ownership, it is imperative that 
county officials and local leaders have a strong working relationship 
with State and Federal Government. People in all levels of government 
have appreciated Dennis' polite and straightforward approach. During 
his tenure, Judge Reynolds has been an effective leader, steadfastly 
advocating for the wellbeing of all rural communities by promoting an 
effective use of natural resources that recognizes not only the 
economic value, but also the social value of a productive environment.
  Mr. Speaker, as Grant County's chief executive, he has led the county 
through tough financial times, overseeing essential projects that have 
improved the way of life for those who reside in this beautiful Blue 
Mountain region of Oregon. These projects include the construction of a 
new county health services center, a new criminal justice center, a 
remodel of the Grant County Courthouse, a new facility to house the 
Grant County Road Department, and a new building for the fairgrounds.
  Mr. Speaker, although these projects of bricks and mortar and 
concrete and steel will benefit Grant County for many years to come, 
Judge Reynolds' real impact has been how he has treated his fellow man 
and the heart with which he has approached every task. Dennis has cared 
deeply about the people he has so ably served.
  Mr. Speaker, Judge Reynolds' distinguished accomplishments are well 
known throughout Oregon. However, those who know Dennis know that he 
would list his most rewarding accomplishments as marrying his wife 
Julie and together raising their three sons, Percy, Beau, and Jake. Mr. 
Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Judge Dennis 
Reynolds, a man of vision, a man of heart, and a man of service.

                          ____________________