[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 171 (Thursday, November 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MARY V. KING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2015

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my 
friend and colleague, Mary V. King. Mary was a lifelong resident of 
Oakland, California, and dedicated her life to public service. She 
passed away earlier this week.
  During her three-terms as the first African American County 
Supervisor for Alameda County, she authored many policies with lasting 
impact on the Bay Area, including a values-based budgeting process 
still in use by the county, and the King Plan for land-use, which is 
now considered a model for smart-growth. She also served as the chair 
of several community-based and regional committees, including the 
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the Metropolitan 
Transportation Commission's (MTC's) Bay Bridge Design Task Force. Among 
her many roles in public service, she worked tirelessly as the General 
Manager of the Alameda Contra Costa Transit District, often called the 
AC Transit District, carrying the agency through tough economic times.
  Mary and I became friends when we served together on MTC and worked 
together on the Caldecott Tunnel, which connects Alameda and Contra 
Costa counties and contributes to the economic development of our 
region. She used her considerable expertise in government to develop 
and advocate for efficient transportation systems, smart land-use 
planning, housing, and other policies that have helped to create 
opportunities throughout the Bay Area. She also worked to improve 
economic conditions and social services for lower income residents, 
promoting health and education, and youth violence prevention programs. 
The Mary V. King Health Education Center is named in her honor as part 
of the Eastmont Wellness Center in Oakland. She also founded the 
Alameda County ``Women's Hall of Fame Awards,'' which recognizes the 
accomplishments of other women and has recognized more than 200 
honorees.
  Among her many accolades, Mary has been awarded the ``Lifetime 
Achievement Award'' by the Conference of Minority Transportation 
Officials, the ``Allen E. Broussard Memorial Award for Outstanding 
Humanitarianism'' by the Alameda County Bar Association, the ``George 
Moscone Memorial Award'' by the American Society of Public 
Administration, the Community Leaders, Recognition Award by the Black 
Elected Officials and Faith Based Leaders of the East Bay, and was 
named the ``Legislator of the Year'' in 1992 by the Arc of the United 
States.
  Mary is survived by her mother Victoria King, two daughters Kimberly 
and Vikki King, and two grandchildren. She leaves an indelible legacy 
on the East Bay, and will be greatly missed.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate the extraordinary life of Mary 
King, and I send my sincere and deepest condolences to her family, 
friends, and loved ones.

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