[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 144 (Monday, December 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1679-E1680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO BEN WICKE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 1, 2014

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of 
Riverside County, California are exceptional. Riverside County has been 
fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly 
and unselfishly give their time and talent to make their communities a 
better place to live and work. Ben Wicke is one of these individuals. 
On Tuesday, November 25, 2014, Ben was honored for his service with the 
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Board of Directors.
  For twenty years, Ben has faithfully served his community. After 
being first elected to the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District 
Board of Directors in 1994, Ben ran unopposed in 1998 and was selected 
by the County Board of Supervisors to fulfill a four year term. In 
2002, Ben again ran unopposed, and was appointed to carry out another 
four year term. Throughout his tenure on the Board, Ben's heralded 
leadership was often called upon, serving as President in 1997, 2000, 
2004, 2007 and finally, in 2011. In addition, Ben also represented the 
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Board of Directors to several 
community organizations. These include Western Municipal Water 
District, the Eastern Municipal Water District, the Canyon Lake Water 
Sub-Committee and the Quail Valley Coalition Corporation.

[[Page E1680]]

  Due to his combined passions for water and for the residents and 
communities of Southern California, Ben also volunteers his time 
throughout the region on additional Boards of Directors. Since 1995, 
Ben has held a seat on the Meeks and Daley Mutual Water Company Board 
of Directors, working as its President since 2001. The Association of 
California Water Agencies Region 9 Board of Directors also utilizes 
Ben's talents as he represents all of the water agencies in San 
Bernardino, Imperial, and Riverside counties in the advancement of 
legislative and regulatory priorities. Ben has always emphasized 
working with officials throughout the state to develop plans that would 
effectively manage one of our most important natural resources--water.
  In light of all that Ben Wicke has done for the community of Lake 
Elsinore, it is only fitting that he be honored for his many years of 
dedicated service. Ben's tireless passion for conservation and public 
service has contributed immensely to the betterment of our community. I 
am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I 
know that many community members are grateful for his service and 
salute him as he retires.

                          ____________________