[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 99 (Tuesday, June 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN TRIBUTE TO JIM MEREDITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 2010

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to Jim Meredith, who 
has retired from the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Board of 
Directors in Simi Valley, California, after 28 years.
  Jim was Chairman of the Board in 1984, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2003 
and 2008. He was Vice Chairman in 1990, 1993, 1998, 2002 and 2007. In 
addition, he was President of the Ventura County Special District 
Association for 10 years, President of the State Board of the 
California Association of Recreation and Park Districts in 1991 and 
2004, President of the California Special Districts Association Board 
of Directors, member of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Board 
Liaison Committee, etc., etc. etc.
  It's easy to see why Jim is known around town as ``Mr. Parks and 
Rec.''
  While Jim was on the board, the District budget increased from $3.5 
million to $16 million, 303 acres of park land were developed and an 
additional 3,820 acres of land was acquired. Since Jim's first 
election, the District has added 37 parks to the system and 11 after-
school clubs.
  Jim was instrumental in nearly every one of the district's expansion 
decisions during those years. As someone who was a professional 
baseball player and involved in youth baseball, the Royal High School 
girl's softball program, adult women's softball program, co-ed 
softball, youth football, the Simi Valley High School and Royal High 
School football programs, semi-pro football, soccer programs and the 
Boy Scouts, Jim has an intimate knowledge of what the community's 
recreation needs are and how to fill them.
  As a result of his vision and dedication, Jim has been recognized 
with the Founder's Award from the Ventura County Special Districts 
Association; Board Member of the Year from the California Association 
of Recreation & Park Districts; 2002 Board Member of the Year from the 
American Park & Recreation Society; and the 2002 Meritorious Service 
Citizen Award from the American Park & Recreation Society.
  In addition to his recreational activities, Jim is a member of 
Disabled American Veterans, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis 
Club, Simi Valley Historical Society and the Simi Valley Christian 
Foundation for Homeless.
  Jim also found the time to be a husband, father and grandfather 
during those years. He and Amy have been married for more than 50 years 
and have five children and numerous grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, the mark James L. Meredith leaves on Simi Valley and 
Oak Park--the communities the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District 
serves--is both deep and enduring. I know my colleagues join me in 
thanking Jim for his tireless dedication to his community and in 
wishing him and Amy great joy in their retirement.

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