[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING JAMES D. RUTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DANA ROHRABACHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2013

  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 
accomplishments of Mr. James D. Ruth upon his retirement from the 
Orange County Sanitation District and from over 50 years of public 
service. Jim was appointed Interim General Manager of the Orange County 
Sanitation District, OCSD, in December 2005 for what was supposed to be 
a six-month role. But instead of serving a short term, his steady 
management and skill in delivering public services resulted in his six-
month assignment turning into a seven-year term of service.
  Mr. Ruth stayed to steer OCSD through difficult times, accumulated a 
number of significant accomplishments, and gained national and 
international acclaim for the management of the third largest 
wastewater treatment plant west of the Mississippi River. During his 
tenure, Jim Ruth streamlined the agency by eliminating waste and 
duplication and trimming costs without sacrificing service to the 2.5 
million Orange County residents that rely on OCSD every day. He 
negotiated a two-tier pension system and was a leader in implementing 
reduced employee costs across the board.
  Of special interest to me, Jim Ruth oversaw OCSD's participation in 
the completion of the Groundwater Replenishment System. He also 
presided over the dedication of OCSD's secondary treatment upgrade. 
Both of these projects provide for a reliable and safe clean water 
supply while protecting Orange County's beautiful beaches.
  I applaud Jim's service to our community over the years, and most 
recently, his service to OCSD. While I wish Jim a long and happy 
retirement, he should know that his accomplishments throughout his 
career will not soon be forgotten.

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