[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 107 (Thursday, June 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1372-E1373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATION OF GOVERNOR BILL SHEFFIELD'S 80TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2008

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special 
tribute to a great American and outstanding Alaskan on the occasion of 
his 80th birthday. Born on June 26,

[[Page E1373]]

1928, in Spokane Washington, the Honorable Bill Sheffield has been a 
leader in business, government, and public policy for many of the 55 
years he has resided in Alaska. He served as governor from 1982 to 1986 
following an impressive and prosperous business career in which he 
built a company that became one of the largest private employers in 
Alaska and the Yukon Territory.
  Following a landslide victory in his 1982 election, Governor 
Sheffield focused his attention to curbing the runaway growth in state 
government, bettering the lives of rural Alaskans, and saving more of 
Alaska's energy revenues for future generations of Alaskans. As 
Governor he supported opening ANWR, a position I proudly share with him 
and one which we will continue to support until development begins.
  Since leaving public office in 1986, Governor Sheffield hasn't slowed 
down at all! He is a trustee of Alaska Pacific University; a member of 
the Advisory Board of ENSTAR Natural Gas; a charter member of 
Commonwealth North, Alaska's leading public affairs forum; Past 
Chairman of the Federal Salary Council; former Alaska Chairman of the 
United Nations 50th year celebration; received the 2006 Lifetime 
Achievement Award in Business from Alaska Business Monthly; former 
President & CEO of the Alaska Railroad Corporation and now serves on 
its Board of Directors.
  In addition to these many commitments, Governor Sheffield also serves 
as the Director of the Port of Anchorage. As Director, Sheffield has 
implemented a massive expansion that started in 2002 and will be 
completed in 2014. Governor Sheffield's vision for the much needed 
expansion of the State of Alaska's largest port will serve nearly the 
entire geographic area and population of our State as goods and 
materials are brought into Alaska. In addition, the Port will serve 
National Defense Objectives by providing vital, modernized 
transportation support and access to four major military installations 
and personnel in Alaska, including the Stryker Brigade at Ft. 
Wainwright. Furthermore, the expanded port will play a major role in 
the ongoing efforts to bring even more of Alaska's vast and much needed 
energy resources to the rest of the Nation. I am proud to support 
Governor Sheffield, the expansion of the Port and the fantastic job he 
is doing for Alaska and the Nation. His tireless energy and enthusiasm 
continues to amaze me!
  As a candidate for Governor in 1982, Bill's theme was ``Bringing the 
State Together.'' I learned from him that when we all work together we 
can achieve great things and I hope that others continue to follow in 
his path of bipartisanship. Most importantly, Madam Speaker, against 
the backdrop of today's partisan fighting, I have always tried to reach 
out to the other side, to reach out to Democrats who are dedicated to 
getting things done. Governor Sheffield, a lifelong Democrat, is one of 
the best examples I know of someone who is willing to work with anyone, 
regardless of political affiliation, who is also devoted to achieving 
important goals for the greater good.
  I like to remember great leaders by what they were able to accomplish 
while they served others. The legacy that Bill will leave behind 
someday is the vision he has had for the future of Alaska. I share his 
vision in investing now to prepare for the future. Sometimes this goes 
against the grain of popular opinion but a great leader is unafraid of 
rocking the boat of populism. I celebrate Bill's willingness to do this 
and wish more public servants were willing to stand up for what is 
right and not just popular.
  I would be remiss were I not to mention that while Bill works hard, 
he also knows how to enjoy all that life has to offer. He is an 
excellent duck hunter, fisherman, golfer and an avid outdoorsman and 
his friends and family mean the world to him. He and I have shared 
countless hours together over the years and I truly value his 
unwavering friendship. Madam Speaker, I am honored to call Bill 
Sheffield my friend and I hope the entire Congress will join me and my 
wife Lu in wishing him well on this wonderful occasion. Happy birthday 
Bill! God bless you.

                          ____________________