[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 173 (Monday, December 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF MICHAEL T. BURNS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 9, 2013

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael T. Burns, who 
is retiring as the General Manager of the Santa Clara Valley 
Transportation Authority after eight years of highly distinguished 
service to the users and employees of our public transit system.
  Michael Burns has been an outstanding leader of the VTA. He's been a 
dependable steward of public funds. He has improved efficiency and 
transit services, secured federal grants, and completed major capital 
projects. Under his leadership, VTA opened its first express lanes and 
developed a partnership with Caltrans called the iTEAM to deliver 
highway projects in Silicon Valley more effectively. He initiated bus 
rapid transit on heavily traveled corridors, and promoted the use of 
the latest technological innovations. He has also fostered recognition 
of deserving employees and enhanced diversity in the workplace.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a 
thoroughbred professional, Michael T. Burns, on the occasion of his 
retirement from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. He has 
served with honor and distinction, and earned the respect of his fellow 
public servants and the entire community.
  The shoes of Michael Burns will be difficult to fill, but he leaves 
the VTA on sound financial footing. I wish him every blessing in his 
well deserved retirement and salute him for a storied career in public 
service in the transportation sector. He has strengthened the Silicon 
Valley region and our country with his extraordinary leadership and our 
entire community is grateful to him.

                          ____________________