[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 56 (Monday, April 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ROSS ARAGON TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2014

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Ross Aragon, a 
distinguished public servant from Pagosa Springs, CO. Mr. Aragon has 
served the town of Pagosa Springs for over 38 years, making him the 
longest serving town trustee and Mayor in the history of Colorado.
   During his tenure as Mayor, Mr. Aragon was instrumental in improving 
the quality of police protection, expanding the town's boundaries by 
annexing the business corridor, expanding recreational programs and 
facilities, and establishing the parks and trail systems within the 
town. Additionally, under his leadership, the town was included in the 
Pagosa Fire Protection District as well as the Pagosa Area Water and 
Sanitation District, resulting in domestic water being made available 
to town residents.
   Not only has he tirelessly served the residents of Pagosa Springs, 
but he has served as a visionary seeking to expand geothermal energy by 
using the natural resources of his town. As a result, Mr. Aragon has 
played a key role in Pagosa Springs supporting and exploring geothermal 
energy for commercial use. One project that still engages his attention 
is the Pagosa Springs Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership. Through a 
unanimous vote of the Town Council led by Mr. Aragon, the town of 
Pagosa Springs is in partnership with various community residents in 
developing greenhouses for production of various agricultural products 
on permaculture principles. The geothermal greenhouse partnership will 
also serve as an avenue to educate the community on this viable green 
energy source and its many benefits.
   Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to recognize Mr. Aragon's tireless 
service to his community over these many years. I stand with the 
residents of the town of Pagosa Springs in saluting this remarkable man 
and congratulating him on a lifetime of service.

                          ____________________