[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 12 (Monday, January 26, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNITION OF DEAN LESTER'S 20 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE HOUSE OF 
                            REPRESENTATIVES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS J. ROONEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 26, 2015

  Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a 
member of my staff, Dean Lester, on his 20 years of service to the 
House of Representatives and the people of the United States.
   Dean came to Washington, DC in January, 1995 to work for his home 
state Congresswoman, Representative Helen Chenoweth-Hage of Idaho. He 
fondly remembers the ``united sense to accomplish things'' in the first 
100 days of that year as the House embarked on a hectic schedule to 
implement the Contract with America.
   Dean must have enjoyed that fast pace, because even when Congress 
slows down or goes into recess, he maintains a full schedule. Over 
time, he began working for multiple House offices at once, and he now 
serves as office and financial administrator to eight different members 
of Congress. In total, Dean has worked for 20 members of Congress in 20 
years.
   Dean is an irreplaceable member of every staff on which he serves. 
He tracks our budgets, manages our office moves, and ensures all of our 
equipment is working properly; in short, Dean makes sure the trains run 
on time. He knows every inch of this building and every trick of the 
trade. When a problem arises, we call Dean and we can always count on 
him to fix it.
   Dean is a mentor and guide not just to younger staff members but to 
senior staff and members of Congress as well. Through it all, he 
maintains a sense of humor, an upbeat attitude, and a positive view of 
what we can accomplish together. He reminds us of why we came here and 
what an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity it is to serve.
   Dean, we could not do our jobs without you. For your tireless work 
ethic, your dedication to Congress and the people of this great 
country, and your 20 years of service, we salute you.

                          ____________________