[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THE CITY OF SAMMAMISH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2009

  Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, as the Representative of the Eighth 
Congressional District of Washington, it is my privilege to serve a 
vibrant cross-section of citizens in both rural and urban settings. And 
in some cases, I represent residents who are making a swift transition 
between the two. This is especially true of Sammamish, a city of 40,000 
that was recently named by Money magazine as the 12th ``best place to 
live'' in the entire country.
  I rise today to congratulate Sammamish on this great and well-
deserved achievement. Nestled neatly on the eastern shore of Lake 
Sammamish and surrounded by a mix of urban, rural and beautiful open 
spaces, Sammamish is as beautiful as it sounds.
  Some of the qualities noted for their newly-awarded distinction 
include the excellent schools, safe neighborhoods and beautiful natural 
setting of the city. Of course, since I often have the opportunity to 
visit Sammamish, I can definitely attest to that truth. Historically a 
place of timber and agriculture, Sammamish, barely ten years old, has 
impressed the entire Pacific Northwest region with its rapid, elegant 
and responsible development. The quality of life, the political 
leadership and the energy of its residents make Sammamish a very 
special place.
  Perhaps most impressively, Sammamish has invested heavily in 
infrastructure and an expanding menu of city services without 
undermining its financial footing. Through careful budgeting and long-
term planning, Sammamish is moving ahead without leaving responsible 
habits behind. As evidence, Sammamish recently received Standard and 
Poor's highest bond rating--AAA.
  I am proud to represent such a city in Congress and look forward to 
continue working with Sammamish residents and elected leaders to 
continue to make it one of the best places to live long into the 
future. Working cooperatively, the residents and leaders of Sammamish 
have created an exceptional place to live and visit in a short period 
of time. I congratulate Mayor Don Gerend, the city council and staff 
and residents of Sammamish for creating such a wonderful place to live 
for long-time residents and newcomers, alike.

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