[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF THE HONORABLE ALAN AUTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2009

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my distinguished 
colleagues from California, Mr. Radanovich, Mr. Nunes, and Mr. Cardoza 
to pay special tribute to Mr. Alan Autry for 8 years of distinguished 
public service to the city of Fresno, CA. Mr. Autry has completed the 
maximum numbers of years of service allowable by city charter as the 
mayor of the city of Fresno. He is to be honored at a Roast and 
Recognition reception on Thursday, December 18, 2008.
  During his two terms, Alan has remained strongly committed to 
fulfilling the mission of Fresno, as a ``united city working together 
to ensure equal access to opportunity, education and quality of life 
for every man, women, and child, regardless of their race, religion, 
age, or socio-economic status.'' Mayor Autry's efforts have focused on 
crime reduction, educational reform, economic development, availability 
of affordable housing, addressing homelessness, raising awareness on 
the water issues of our Central Valley and on government reform.
  Throughout his notable career, Alan has served on numerous 
commissions and boards at the local, State and Federal levels. He has 
been a part of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the U.S. 
Conference of Mayors Advisory Board, the U.S. Conference of Mayors 
Education Standing Committee, the U.S. Conference of Mayors Arts and 
Entertainment Standing Committee, the U.S. Department of Commerce's 
Strengthening America's Communities Secretarial Advisory Committee, the 
League of California Cities Board of Directors, the California 
Partnership Board, the League of California Cities Housing Task Force, 
the Fresno County Transportation Authority Board and the Fresno County 
Council of Government Board. Mayor Autry was a founding board member of 
the Operation Clean Air Board and the Regional Jobs Initiative Board.
  His service and work have been acknowledged through countless awards 
and honors, not the least of which is his recognition as one of the 
most effective advocates ever in terms of garnering a fair share of 
State and Federal resources for the Central Valley.
  Madam Speaker, it goes without saying that throughout his career, 
Alan Autry has proven to be a highly motivated leader, striving for 
excellence in public service, keeping his city safe and making it the 
best city possible for all the residents of Fresno. As he gets ready to 
spend more time on other endeavors, we thank him for his service and 
wish him continued success and fulfillment in the future.