[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 185 (Thursday, December 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2925-E2926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF ROBERT K. McCLEARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2009

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, Representatives George Miller, 
Representative Jerry McNearney and I rise today in honor of Robert 
McCleary, who has served as the Executive Director for the Contra Costa 
Transportation Authority for the last 20 years. As his colleagues, 
friends and family gather together to celebrate the next chapter of his 
life, we ask all of our colleagues to join us in saluting this 
outstanding public servant.
  Bob McCleary's visionary efforts and hard work have benefited this 
generation and will benefit many more generations in the years to come. 
Transportation projects such as the BART extension to Pittsburg/
BayPoint, the widening of Routes 4, 242 and 680, the Richmond Parkway, 
the intermodal stations at Richmond and Martinez, along with numerous 
other local transportation improvements have all been constructed under 
Bob McCleary's stay at the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and 
serve as a true testament to his judicious hard work and dedication.
  Bob McCleary was faced with the daunting task of implementing Contra 
Costa's first transportation sales tax--Measure C--passed by the voters 
in 1988. Bob McCleary has

[[Page E2926]]

worked diligently to ensure that the transportation sales tax program 
has been executed in an efficient, effective and equitable manner, 
consistent with the voters' intent. He recently played an integral role 
in establishing the necessary consensus building efforts leading to the 
successful passage in 2004, of Measure J--the successor transportation 
sales tax to Measure C. His legacy will live on in this Measure and in 
a series of transportation projects that are instrumental and essential 
to the communities they serve.
  Prior to serving as the executive director for the Contra Costa 
Transportation Authority, Bob McCleary was also involved in other 
regional programs such as the Santa Clara County Traffic Authority 
where he served as the Deputy Director for Project Management. During 
Bob's stay at the Santa Clara County Traffic Authority he helped 
establish the new authority and manage the day to day project 
implementation of a $1 billion dollar local sales tax program. This 
program would fund three State highways, the first of its kind in 
California and relied heavily on a partnership with Caltrans, local 
government, and the private sector for success. Bob McCleary made sure 
it became a success.
  Madam Speaker, we are truly honored to pay tribute to our friend and 
dedicated public servant. We ask all of our colleagues to join with us 
in thanking Robert McCleary for his long and dedicated service to the 
citizens of California and wishing him continued success and happiness 
in all of his future endeavors along with a happy retirement.

                          ____________________