[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 175 (Wednesday, December 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1839-E1840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN RECOGNITION OF JEFF IRA

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 11, 2013

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jeff Ira for his 16 years of 
outstanding service on the Redwood City City Council, two terms as 
mayor. To say that Jeff's enthusiasm and expertise will be missed by 
his colleagues and all residents would be the understatement of the 
decade. Jeff has demonstrated superb leadership in setting Redwood City 
on a stable financial path and in making it a better place to live. I 
am proud to call Jeff a colleague and

[[Page E1840]]

long time friend. When Jeff became mayor in 2009, he opened his two-
year term with a ``Call to Action'' to inspire residents to get engaged 
in their community and help it recover from the worst recession since 
the Great Depression. He recommended volunteering at schools, libraries 
and non-profits and youth sports groups because he knew first-hand that 
all were suffering during the economic downturn. Under his leadership, 
and despite tough economic challenges, the city completed a new General 
Plan and the Downtown Precise Plan, attained a garbage collection 
agreement, accomplished a partnership with the San Carlos Fire 
Department to share services and save money, and passed a budget under 
enormous financial constraints. On his own time, Jeff worked hard to 
get ballot measures passed to bring more revenue to Redwood City. While 
mayor, he served on the city's Audit, Finance and Revenue, Jail, 
Economic Development/Downtown and Fox Theatre committees. He was also 
the council's liaison for Neighborhood Association co-chairs, and chair 
of the South Bayside System Authority. Jeff's vision and persistence 
were instrumental in creating the beautiful downtown of Redwood City. 
Courthouse Square and the Fox Theater would not be the sparkling jewels 
they are today without his hard and strategic work. Additionally, he 
made recycled water a reality for the community. Jeff showed the same 
creativity, integrity and commitment during his entire tenure on the 
city council. He will always be known for is the 2004 Great Toilet 
Giveaway when thousands of residents received low-flow toilets. He 
saved countless trees by having the city council move to a paperless 
system for staff reports and digital delivery of agenda packets. You 
can also thank him for the photo gallery on the city website showing 
off the beauty of Redwood City. His in-depth understanding of finances 
and fiscal constraints, and his contribution to creating controls over 
spiraling costs, helped steer the city through the economic downturn 
and towards financial stability. As a member of the South Bayside 
Systems Authority for 13 years, Jeff created the blue ribbon task force 
to analyze the governing structure of SBSA which resulted in a change 
on the board to include elected officials and a technical advisory 
committee. He oversaw the restructuring of the board's commission and 
committees to make them more effective and to meet the needs of the 
community. Jeff is passionate about public schools. As a parent, he was 
deeply involved in Clifford Elementary School in the Redwood City 
School District, and he worked tirelessly to raise funds for the 
district. He is committed to equal opportunity for all through quality 
public education. Jeff also serves as Treasurer of the Sequoia Awards 
which offers college scholarships to outstanding young people in 
Redwood City. Jeff has been a major fiscal and spiritual steward of 
this all-volunteer program for many years. In short, no matter what 
Jeff takes on, the results are always lasting. Jeff was born and raised 
in Redwood City and attended Saint Pius School and Saint Francis High 
School. He graduated from Humboldt State University with a B.S. in 
Accounting. Jeff is the proud father of Josh, Julie, Jessica and 
Joseph. While I am sure that he will enjoy more time hiking, kayaking, 
gardening and traveling after he retires from the council today, I have 
no doubt he will find ways to stay engaged and to give back to our 
community. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with 
me to honor Jeff Ira, one of the finest mayors and public servants San 
Mateo County has seen. His tireless commitment and contributions to the 
city and residents of Redwood City will be felt for generations to 
come.

                          ____________________