[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 155 (Thursday, October 22, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE SERVICE OF JOHN NAVARRETTE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 22, 2015

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Navarrette as 
he celebrates 31 years of service to the County of Fresno. Mr. 
Navarrette will be retiring as the Chief Administrative Officer of 
Fresno County, a position that he has served in for the last six and a 
half years of his career. John's extraordinary career and service to 
the County of Fresno deserves to be honored.
  John was born and raised in Mendota, California. He attended Mendota 
Unified schools including Tranquility High School, and graduated from 
California State University, Fresno in his early twenties. Throughout 
his career, John has achieved a multitude of goals while working in 
government. He started his career with the County of Fresno in 1985 as 
an entry level staff analyst. John subsequently went to work in 
Sacramento for the California State Legislature in 1997, retaining a 
position in the Speaker's Office. One of his early achievements was 
obtaining funds for City and County parks, as well as the now infamous 
bookmobile.
  In 1999, Mr. Navarrette got a job in the Lieutenant Governor's 
office. During his time there, he managed special projects and economic 
development trade missions to Mexico and Italy. In 2003, returned to 
his roots in California's Central Valley and went back to work for the 
County of Fresno, becoming the Director of General Services in 2004.
  As previously mentioned, the last six and a half years, John has 
served as the County Administrative Officer, and led 5,000 Fresno 
County employees towards solving many of the community's issues. He was 
able to form a senior team that showed drive and dedication, and his 
extensive experience in government has allowed him to implement 
policies in an effective manner.
  John's tenacity and willingness to work hard got him where he is 
today. His leadership skills allowed him to lead Fresno County during 
one of the most difficult times his community has ever experienced. Mr. 
Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. John Navarrette 
for the contributions he has made to the State of California and County 
of Fresno. His dedication to our community is inspiring and deserving 
of recognition.

                          ____________________