[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 113 (Friday, July 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING MR. RICHARD D. ``DICK'' MacRAVEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN T. SALAZAR

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 24, 2009

  Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my mentor and close 
friend, Mr. Richard D. ``Dick'' MacRavey. After twenty-six years of 
service as the Secretary and Executive Director of the Colorado Water 
Congress, Dick is announcing his retirement. Throughout his tenure, 
Dick helped enact a multitude of important legislation to protect water 
resources throughout Colorado. As Executive Director, Dick saw 350 of 
the 419 Colorado Water Congress supported bills enacted into law. In 
addition, only one of the 123 bills opposed by the Colorado Water 
Congress became law. This impressive record demonstrates Dick's 
effective leadership and dedication to protecting Colorado's water.
  During my time in the Colorado State Legislature, Dick took me under 
his wing and taught me a great deal about water legislation. As a 
farmer and life-long resident of the San Luis Valley, I understand the 
importance of water. This precious resource is our lifeblood and 
essential to maintaining our way of life. Dick understood the needs of 
everyone. From farmers, like me, in rural Colorado, to those in towns 
like Aspen, Carbondale and Telluride and cities like Denver, Aurora and 
Colorado Springs. With his guidance, I helped craft a piece of 
legislation, ``The Basin of Origin Protection,'' which I am very proud 
of. Although this bill was never enacted into law, the lessons Dick 
taught me during this experience were invaluable. I will always 
consider Dick a great mentor and friend.
  Dick's dedication to protecting water and to serving Colorado started 
long before his involvement with the Colorado Water Congress. He served 
three years as Executive Director to the Larimer-Weld Council of 
Governments and seven years as Executive Director of the Colorado 
Municipal League. While at Larimer-Weld COG, Dick developed and guided 
the early stages of the Larimer-Weld ``208'' Water Quality Management 
Planning effort. In 1970, Dick served as Chairman of the Colorado Good 
Government Committee for the promotion of the State Constitutional 
Amendments One (Governor's Cabinet), Two (State Civil Service 
Reorganization) and Three (Local Government Modernization). All three 
amendments were approved overwhelmingly by the people of Colorado. In 
addition, Dick was involved in six other statewide initiative campaigns 
and was successful in all six campaigns.
  In 1988, Dick was appointed to COLORADO VISION 2000 and, in 1989, he 
was appointed to become part of the 16-member Legislative Council 
Subcommittee on Long-Range Planning for the State Government. From 
1969-71, Dick served on the National League of Cities Board of 
Directors. He also served as a member of the Boards for the Colorado 
Water PAC and the Colorado Water Education Foundation. Dick is a member 
of the American Society of Association Executives, Colorado Society of 
Association Executives, American Water Works Association and 
International City Management Association. Dick is one of Colorado's 
great leaders. He has been involved in many aspects of Colorado life 
and has worked tirelessly to protect our current and future 
generations.
  However, it is his tireless fight for water that has been most 
inspiring to me. In 1999, Dick was named the nineteenth recipient of 
the ``Wayne N. Aspinall Water Leader of the Year Award.'' This is a 
prestigious award in Colorado named after a former Congressman of the 
District I currently represent. Mr. Aspinall was a water champion for 
Colorado and was instrumental in helping to ensure that Colorado 
residents have access to a safe water supply.
  After I was elected to the U.S. House in 2004, Dick gave me a 
biography, entitled ``Wayne Aspinall: Mr. Chairman.'' In the inside 
cover, he wrote me an inspirational and encouraging message. It read:

       To: John Salazar,
       This book is about one of Colorado's great members of 
     Congress. You will some day also rank as one of the great 
     members from Colorado. I have no doubts about your future 
     achievement.
       Your friend, Dick MacRavey. January 27, 2005.

  This note touched my heart and I keep this book with me in my 
Congressional office. While serving in Congress, I will continue to 
fight for Colorado's water and I hope that my efforts will make Dick 
MacRavey proud.
  I wish Dick well in his retirement and I want him to know that he 
will always have a special place in my heart.

                          ____________________