[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 60 (Thursday, May 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING TOM BRIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2011

  Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contribution 
to Oregon by my good friend Tom Brian, and congratulate him on his 
retirement following 32 years of public service to our great state.
  Tom's commitment to improving his community, state, and nation were 
readily apparent from his early days as a deputy sheriff, city 
councilor, and mayor of the city of Tigard, to his service as a state 
representative and 12 years on the Washington County Commission.
  Tom has deep and enduring roots in Oregon that have grounded his 
personal and professional life in special ways. He treasures Oregon, 
where he and his wife, Joene, have raised their three children: Becky, 
Sarah, and Kevin.
  Tom believes in making a difference--and he's backed up that belief 
with action. Over the last decade, Tom's vision as a commissioner 
deserves much credit for Washington County's robust job growth. His 
tireless collaborations with Intel, Solar World, and the many small 
businesses throughout Washington County have created a business-
friendly climate that has made it a magnet for economic development.
  Tom grew up in Monmouth, Oregon, where he attended Central High 
School and graduated from the Oregon College of Education in 1970, now 
Western Oregon University. After serving as a Polk County deputy 
sheriff from 1969 to 1973, an opportunity arose for Tom to join the 
Oregon Council on Crime and Delinquency, where he became its executive 
director until 1979.
  In 1979, Tom started a career in real estate and also began his life 
in elected public office, earning election to the Tigard City Council. 
He later became the city's mayor.
  Tom was recruited to run for the Oregon Legislature in 1988. Tom rose 
quickly through the legislative ranks and became the chairman of the 
Revenue Committee and served on the Ways and Means and Judiciary 
committees. Tom was an innovator and collaborative leader in the 
legislature. His hard work, steadfast dedication to Oregon, great wit, 
and solid character earned him respect from both sides of the aisle.
  In 1999, Oregon's term limit law ushered Tom from the legislature 
after 10 years. Still committed to making a difference, Tom ran for and 
earned a position on the Washington County Commission. Tom served there 
for 12 years before retiring in January of this year as its chairman.
  Mr. Speaker, Tom's leadership has been recognized with numerous 
awards and accolades, including the First Citizen of the City of 
Tigard, the Guardian of Small Business, Outstanding Service to Farm 
Families, and Transit Legislator of the Year, just to name a few.
  Tom has served and continues to serve ably on a long list of boards, 
commissions, and philanthropic endeavors. As chairman of the Tigard Old 
Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, a board member of the Clean Water 
Institute, and a board member of Willamette Valley Vineyards, Tom Brian 
stays busy working to make life better in his community.
  Tom is a husband, father, leader, and friend. He set a tremendous 
example for the many Oregon leaders he mentored over the years, 
instilling in them the core values of commitment to others, self-
sacrifice, and decisive leadership.
  Max Williams, one of Tom's close friends and a former state 
representative, said of him, ``You taught me not to be afraid of--or 
avoid--the difficult issues. Being out there `on the limb' was 
necessary because that is `where all the fruit is' when it comes to 
making meaningful and positive change.''
  Tom took risks and he pushed for progress; because of that, he made a 
real and positive difference.
  Today I rise to recognize my friend Tom Brian for all that he has 
accomplished and for his invaluable contributions to his community. I 
invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Tom for his service and 
wishing him and his family many great and healthy years ahead.

                          ____________________