[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2156]]
                        TRIBUTE TO RON HOLLIDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Mr. Ron G. Holliday. Mr. Holliday will be retiring as County Manager of 
Summit County, Colorado, on January 5, 2007, after having served 4\1/2\ 
years in this position. Prior to his position in Summit County, Mr. 
Holliday served 5 years as the County Administrator for Jefferson 
County, Colorado. Before his county government experience, Mr. Holliday 
served over three decades as Director of State Parks in Texas, Colorado 
and Montana.
  Together, these years of exemplary service by Mr. Holliday amount to 
nearly four decades working for the citizens and environment of many 
Colorado and other western communities.
  As Summit County Manager, Mr. Holliday worked on issues related to 
forest health, the present bark beetle epidemic, increasing growth and 
development in this county along the critical Interstate 70 corridor, 
ski area and tourist management, as well as roadless issues in our 
national forests. He brought a collaborative spirit to all of these 
endeavors, and the citizens of Summit County have a thriving economy 
and a roadmap to help address future issues and needs.
  As County Administrator for Jefferson County, Colorado, Mr. Holliday 
oversaw more than 1,200 employees and was responsible for daily 
operations and a $344 million annual budget. He was serving this county 
at a time of significant growth, resulting in challenging 
transportation needs. To address this, he structured a multi-agency 
intergovernmental agreement for crucial transportation planning. He 
also helped guide the $150 million open space acquisition program and 
helped win passage of a voter approved $160 million open space bond 
issue.
  Mr. Holliday also helped coordinate the county's administrative 
response to the tragic Columbine High School shooting. This incident 
garnered worldwide attention, and Mr. Holliday was part of the county's 
coordination team to manage the fallout from this unfortunate incident.
  Prior to his work with Jefferson County, Mr. Holliday was Director of 
State Parks for the State of Texas for 5 years. At this position he 
oversaw 140 State parks with natural, recreational and historic 
significance encompassing 600,000 acres. He developed strategic plans 
for these attractions and tripled the revenue in 3 years. He also 
worked to create three new parks under his management.
  Mr. Holliday secured similar achievements as Director of Colorado 
State Parks where he worked for 7 years. He increased the revenue of 
this office and developed strategic plans and longrange visions to our 
State's impressive park system. He got his start in this work for open 
space protection and visitor enjoyment working as State Park Director 
for Montana prior to working for State Parks in Colorado.
  Throughout his work for open space, parks and county government, Mr. 
Holliday has brought a keen appreciation of the importance of 
preserving a quality environment and thriving economy for the benefit 
of the local communities he served as well as the entire States and 
Nation. His dedication to public service and his communities stands as 
a model for future managers and directors who act as stewards of our 
lands and communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Holliday 
for his dedicated, collaborative service. I wish him the very best in 
his future endeavors and continued contributions.

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