[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 9, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E19]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING STEVE EKBERG, RETIRING MEMBER OF THE GIG HARBOR CITY 
                       COUNCIL, WASHINGTON STATE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 9, 2018

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Steve Ekberg 
and his nearly four decades of service as a member of the Gig Harbor 
City Council in the great state of Washington. I wish to thank him for 
his dedication to public service. I am proud to consider Steve a friend 
and I offer him my sincerest congratulations on his retirement.
  Councilmember Ekberg has served under five mayors and alongside 
nearly 100 councilmembers. His passion for improving our community's 
access to recreational opportunities is a testament to his lifelong 
commitment to public service. When Councilmember Ekberg was first 
elected, the City of Gig Harbor had only one park. Today, the city 
features more than 20 parks and public piers. As a father to two little 
girls who play in those parks, I am appreciative of the tireless work 
of Councilmember Ekberg.
  Councilmember Ekberg's contributions to Gig Harbor have been 
extensive. His years as a business and non-profit leader as well as a 
member of City Council have revealed him to be a champion for our 
region's youth. As a community leader, he worked tirelessly to build 
the YMCA into a place where our children can learn and thrive. He spent 
years coaching youth sports teams and devoted countless hours to the 
local Historical Society.
  Councilmember Ekberg was a longtime business leader in the community. 
His insurance firm, the family owned Pilkey-Hopping & Ekberg, 
Incorporated, has been operating since 1896. When Steve retired from 
his firm, his son Reid Ekberg, was elected by the Board of Directors to 
become the fourth generation of family leaders for the company.
  Steve has embodied the American dream and has contributed greatly to 
our region's economy and to the civility of our small community. 
Whether we've been working to build a new hospital in Gig Harbor, 
grapple with Narrows Bridge tolls, transfer some federal property to 
the city, or other initiatives, Steve has been a terrific partner and 
has always focused on doing what's right for the people of Gig Harbor.
  Though Steve will be retiring from the Gig Harbor City Council, his 
service to his community will surely continue in other capacities. I 
also want to recognize Steve's wife Marion and their two sons, Adam and 
Reid, for the support they showed Steve and their own service to our 
community. It's clear that Steve has passed along his commitment to 
service.
  On behalf of all Gig Harbor residents and the people of the Sixth 
District of Washington, thank you Steve for your tireless work and 
commitment to building a better community. Mr. Speaker, please join me 
in recognizing Councilman Steve Ekberg's nearly 40 years as a public 
servant on the City Council of the City of Gig Harbor.