[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 164 (Wednesday, November 16, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO RON SCHMITT

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate 
Councilman Ron Schmitt, of Sparks, on his retirement. After serving as 
a member of the Sparks City Council for 15 years, Councilman Schmitt 
retired on November 14, 2016. It gives me great pleasure to 
congratulate him on his retirement after many years of hard work and 
dedication to the city of Sparks.
  Councilman Schmitt is an outstanding example of someone who is 
devoted to improving their community. Upon moving to the Silver State 
and living in the Sparks area for more than two decades, Northern 
Nevada has greatly benefitted from Councilman Schmitt's leadership in 
and out of public office. Before taking on the role as city councilman 
in 2001, Councilman Schmitt served on the Washoe County Human Services 
Consortium Advisory Board as member and chair, the Sparks Planning 
Commission, and the Sparks Citizens Advisory Committee. Mr. Schmitt was 
also a member of the National League of Cities and Municipalities and 
once served on its board of directors.
  Since his first term as city councilman, he consistently remained 
committed to the people of Sparks and has been a strong advocate for 
initiatives that meet the needs of families. Additionally, while in 
office, Councilman Schmitt managed RPS Consultant Enterprise, as 
principal, served as president of the Nevada League of Cities and 
Municipalities, NLCM, and was selected as the ``Public Official of the 
Year'' by the NLCM in 2005. He also dedicated much of his time to the 
Regional Transportation Commission Paratransit Advisory Committee and 
the crisis call center.
  Councilman Schmitt's participation in local business and community 
programs led him to be a tremendous leader within local government. His 
unwavering support and focus to ensuring the needs of his constituency 
were met will be truly missed. Councilman Schmitt remains a prominent 
leader and will continue to advocate on behalf of the Sparks community. 
He exemplifies the highest standards of community service and should be 
proud of his long and meaningful career. I am grateful for his loyalty 
and commitment to Sparks and to the great State of Nevada.
  Today I ask that all of my colleagues join me in congratulating 
Councilman Schmitt on his retirement, and I offer my deepest 
appreciation for all that he has done for Sparks and Nevada. I offer my 
best wishes for many successful and fulfilling years to come.

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