[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF R. BRIAN KIDNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 6, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues and former 
members of the California State Legislature Mr. Farr, Mr. Garamendi, 
Ms. Lee, Mr. McClintock, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Waxman 
to pay tribute to the life of R. Brian Kidney, who passed away on 
December 22, 2012 at the age of 82. Mr. Kidney was an extraordinary 
person, and he will always be remembered as a man who lived his life 
with purpose and a dedication to public service, with almost 30 years 
in the California State Assembly, Office of the Chief Clerk.
  Brian Kidney earned a Bachelor's degree in Russian History from the 
University of Michigan. He went on to further his education at the 
University of San Francisco and earned a Master's degree in Government. 
Upon completion of his Master's degree, Mr. Kidney joined the United 
States Air Force and served our nation as a Russian Translator in 
Libya.
  His impressive and irreplaceable service to the State of California 
began in 1963 in the California State Legislature, where he served as 
an office messenger for Assembly Speaker Jesse Unruh. Two years later 
he became assistant clerk, and in 1991, Mr. Kidney retired after 
serving 25 years as chief clerk.
  Mr. Kidney was an expert at his profession, but he brought more than 
knowledge and expertise to work every day. His understanding of the 
legislative process was an asset to each member who served in the 
California State Assembly during his tenure. Mr. Kidney's passion for 
government positively impacted the State of California in numerous 
ways.
  In 1989, Mr. Kidney created the Assembly Chief Clerk Legislative 
Internship Program. He recognized the importance of having young minds 
with innovative ideas in the office, and paid interns began to work 
full-time alongside staff to gain the most fruitful experience 
possible. The interns benefit from their involvement and the office 
gains a fresh perspective from the interns.
  Mr. Kidney did not stop working after retirement. He served as a 
parliamentary consultant to governments in Hungary, Malawi, Namibia, 
and South Africa, and spent several years as a lobbyist for The Gualco 
Group.
  However, life did not always revolve around politics for Mr. Kidney. 
He never took for granted the simplicity of a great meal surrounded by 
conversation and laughter with his family and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to join Mr. Farr, Mr. Garamendi, Ms. Lee, Mr. 
McClintock, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Waxman in paying 
tribute to the life and career of R. Brian Kidney. He was a shining 
example of a true public servant and proud American.

                          ____________________