[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 29 (Thursday, February 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CONGRATULATIONS MR. STEVE KANDRA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2007

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Madam Speaker, today, the great State of Oregon 
turns 148 years old. Tomorrow will mark an occasion nearly as momentous 
when a highly-respected community leader in Oregon, Mr. Steve Kandra, 
steps down as the president of the Klamath Water Users Association 
(KWUA). I would like to draw my colleagues' attention to the numerous 
contributions Steve has made to his community and his industry, for 
without them hundreds of farmers and ranchers in southern Oregon and 
northern California would have found the past two years a much greater 
challenge.
  As many of us know, most folks would probably be surprised at what 
life as president of an organization is really like. Often, one is 
drafted into the position by colleagues to pick up heavy loads, to 
donate countless hours of time away from family and business, and to 
forge common ground on difficult issues. Being the president of KWUA is 
a particularly tough job; Steve heeded the call of his fellow farmers 
and ranchers for two full terms. As Steve's infectious sense of humor 
would lead him to say, ``If you don't get it right the first time, try, 
try again.''
  His fellow members at KWUA would tell you that they pleaded with him 
to lead the association because he is extremely smart, dedicated, 
experienced, respected, and sincere. That's an impressive combination 
of personal qualities, and they sum Steve Kandra up well.
  The farmers and ranchers of the Klamath Basin are no strangers to 
serious challenges. When the federal government unjustly shut off their 
water from the Klamath Project in 2001, over 1,000 farming and ranching 
families' livelihoods, and the community that depends on their well-
being, faced disaster. The climb back for the agriculture community is 
by no means complete and has demanded smart and dedicated leadership. 
Steve Kandra provided just that. Steve spent countless hours attending 
meetings and hearings, leading tours of the Klamath Basin, granting 
interviews, and delivering compelling presentations. His duties as 
president often took precedence over family affairs and the demands of 
farming. Anyone who knows Steve knows he is a hands-on guy who will not 
be deterred when the tough issues require significant personal 
involvement, a substantial knowledge base, and a broad range of 
relationships.
  The ``Just Say No'' campaign clearly did not resonate with Steve. He 
is also a past president of Tulelake Rotary, Klamath County Farm 
Bureau, Oregon Hay & Forage Association, Klamath Basin Hay Growers, 
Klamath County Chamber of Commerce, and Klamath Irrigation District. 
Steve is a board member of Klamath Basin Ecosystem Foundation and Shaw 
Historical Library Board of Governors, and an elder at Merrill First 
Presbyterian Church. Lest my colleagues think that is all Steve has 
managed to occupy his time with, amazingly there's more. He has also 
been a board member of the Klamath County Economic Development 
Association, Upper Klamath Basin Working Group, Klamath Irrigation 
District, and Oregon Water Resources Congress, just to name a few 
volunteer activities. I suppose the saying is true: If you need 
something done, ask a busy man.

  While Steve and his lovely wife, Nancy, will both remain very engaged 
in the struggle to provide stability for agriculture in the Klamath 
Basin, I suspect that Nancy will be popping a bottle of champagne 
tomorrow night in celebration of Steve's retirement as president of 
KWUA. Together they have successfully navigated a long and winding 
road, and a celebration of achievement is certainly in order.
  Madam Speaker and my fellow House members, please join me in 
congratulating Steve Kandra, an outstanding community leader and family 
man who I am proud to call my friend.

                          ____________________