[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING CONTRA COSTA COUNTY DISTRICT 2 SUPERVISOR GAYLE UILKEMA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2012

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise with my 
colleague Congressman John Garamendi to take this opportunity to 
recognize and congratulate Contra Costa County District 2 Supervisor 
Gayle Uilkema as she retires after 37 years of public service.
  Supervisor Uilkema began her long career in 1975 as a Lafayette Parks 
and Recreation Commissioner, and was soon elected to the Lafayette City 
Council. She served five subsequent terms on the City Council, where 
she left a strong legacy, after which she proudly served four terms as 
Mayor of Lafayette.
  As the longest serving member of the Contra Costa County Board of 
Supervisors, Gayle Uilkema has worked tirelessly on behalf of her 
constituents. Her knowledge and experience was integral in developing 
Lafayette's Veterans Memorial Building and the Lafayette Library and 
Learning Center, two projects which provided access to resources 
previously unavailable to many in the community. She was also 
instrumental in establishing the Lafayette Redevelopment Agency, which 
helped pass the first Road and Drain Bond in the area.
  Gayle has accumulated numerous awards in the course of her career, 
including recognition from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission 
and the American Association of University Women. Gayle was named 
Alumna of the Year by California State University--East Bay and was 
honored as Co-Citizen of the Year by the West County Business & 
Professional Association. Most recently she was recognized as the 2012 
Lafayette Citizen of the Year Award for her outstanding dedication and 
contributions to the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in commending 
Supervisor Gayle Uilkema for her committed and diligent service to 
Lafayette and Contra Costa County. I am pleased to join her family, 
colleagues, and friends in congratulating her on an outstanding career 
and wish her the very best as she begins a well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________