[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. DICK MONTEITH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 7, 2012

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
life of a beloved leader in the Stanislaus County community, Mr. Dick 
Monteith, on his 80th birthday.
  Dick Monteith was born in Los Banos, California, spent his early 
years attending Merced and Stanislaus County public schools, and 
graduated from Turlock High School. He continued his education at Menlo 
College and Stanford University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of 
Arts Degree in Sociology.
  Soon after graduation, Dick started a life-long career in agri-
business as a partner in Monteith Tractor/Truck Company. He 
subsequently served in the Marketing Department of Gallo Wines, and 
then as a Sales Representative for Weyerhaeuser Company. He retired as 
General Manager of Sales and Distribution for Middleton Packaging prior 
to seeking his first elective office.
  He was elected to the California State Senate representing the 12th 
District in 1994 and then again in 1998. In 2006, Dick was elected to 
the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. During his time on the 
Board, he witnessed the collapse of the housing market, which caused a 
reduction in property taxes. The county was faced with the worst budget 
crisis since the Great Depression. Yet, even during the darkest days, 
the Board of Supervisors accomplished many projects, including the 
Crows Landing-West Park Project, Federally Qualified Healthcare Look 
Alike, New Residency Program, and the sale of the Behavioral Health 
Center to DMC.
  Some of the Capital Projects that have been completed during his 
tenure include the completion of Gallo Center for the Arts, the Empire 
Pool Project, the Expansion of the West Modesto Clinic, a new Animal 
Shelter, the Salida Library Remodel Projects and the ground breaking 
for the Juvenile Commitment Facility. In addition, he has attended 189 
Board meetings, considered 4,331 Resolutions and served as Chairman of 
the Board in 2011.
  Dick and his wife Jeanine make their home in Modesto. He has two 
sons, three step-daughters, and four grandchildren.
  Dick is a member of Christ Community Church and serves on the boards 
of Modesto Gospel Mission, Youth for Christ and Stanislaus County 
Prayer Breakfast.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Dick Monteith for his 
unwavering leadership and recognizing his accomplishments and 
contributions. Dick serves as an example of excellence to those in our 
community.

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