[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 141 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1709-E1710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF DENNIS M. BARRY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Dennis M. Barry, as 
he retires as the Interim Director of Contra Costa County's Department 
of Conservation and Development, after 30 years of service.

[[Page E1710]]

  Dennis M. Barry's career with the county encompasses 20 years with 
the Planning Department, later established as the Community Development 
Department, 10 years as Community Development Director, and 4 months as 
Interim Director of the Department of Conservation and Development.
  In his role as Contra Costa County General Plan Review Program 
Manager in 1987, Barry led the General Plan Congress, which produced 
the first comprehensive update to the General Plan in over 25 years. As 
Director of Community Development, Barry spearheaded the Urban Limit 
Line through the County process including public hearings and adoption 
by voters. Throughout his career, Dennis M. Barry has been dedicated as 
a consummate planner and innovative leader.
  Throughout his illustrious career, Dennis M. Barry received several 
awards for his service to the residents of Contra Costa County. These 
awards include the following: the Contra Costa County Employee of the 
Year in 1991, CSAC Challenge Award for the County Growth Management 
Program 1990, and for the Countywide General Plan in 1991; and CSAC 
Circle of Service Award.
  Dennis M. Barry's outstanding service to Contra Costa County also 
included several policy changes that significantly impacted land use, 
housing projects and public safety. He assisted in drafting and placing 
Measure C on the ballot in 1990, which established the Contra Costa 
County 65/35 Land Preservation Plan. He drafted and brought Ordinance 
96-50, Land Use Permits for Development Projects involving Hazardous 
Materials and Hazardous Wastes, for hearings. Barry was involved in the 
formation of the Dougherty Valley General Plan Amendment and Specific 
Plan, which requires 25 percent of the units to be occupied by low and 
moderate income families.
  As Dennis M. Barry retires, I would like to thank him for his 
dedication to the quality of life for the residents of Contra Costa 
County, and his leadership in the field of planning. I wish him the 
best of luck in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________