[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 50 (Monday, April 4, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S1624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING RUSS RITTER

  Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I wish to speak about Russ Ritter.
  This past week longtime Helena mayor and dedicated public servant 
Russ Ritter passed away at the age of 83.
  Russ was one of those guys who really made a notable difference in 
Montana, especially in our State capital of Helena. He was a true 
inspiration for Montanans seeking public office, and he was the first 
person to inspire others to run for mayor, including our current mayor, 
Jim Smith.
  Russ was instrumental in the construction of a 10-mile water 
treatment plant. That was a big-ticket expenditure on the part of the 
city, and all bonds are now paid off and the plant is up and running. I 
might suggest that Washington, DC, could take a few lessons from Russ 
Ritter. During Russ's time, Helena transformed the solid waste system, 
and he also helped automate the system. He provided true management of 
the city and improved it for generations to come by helping prevent the 
spread of diseases and creating a healthier Helena.
  Russ also had a soft spot in his heart for the USS Helena, the 
nuclear powered submarine. He went to the christening of the launch in 
1986 and spent 9 days on the USS Helena underwater.
  Another great story about Russ was reported recently in the Helena 
Independent Record:

       Russ met President Ronald Reagan in Billings on August 11, 
     1982. But this meeting, one for which their father had 
     planned and prepared his remarks, the children said, did not 
     go as envisioned. Russ greeted the President by saying, 
     ``Hello, mister mayor, I'm the President of Helena,'' to 
     which Reagan responded, ``No, I think you've got that 
     wrong,'' Mike said. ``This left their father a bit 
     flustered,'' Mike continued, adding that Russ made his living 
     talking to people and always knew the right thing to say.

  On behalf of Montanans and the people of Helena, we thank Russ for 
his selfless service and will never forget his legacy on the history of 
our State.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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