[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 194 (Monday, December 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1625-E1626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF MATT GROCOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 10, 2018

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the departure from 
public service of San Carlos City Councilman Matt Grocott. Councilman 
Grocott has served from 2001 to 2018, twice as mayor.
  During his tenure, the city has undergone enormous change. Although a 
small community, the city has many distinct neighborhoods and groups of 
residents. Through all of the changes impacting these constituencies, 
Matt Grocott contributed mightily to the effort to improve 
communication between the city and its residents. He regularly provided 
opinion pieces in local newspapers, wrote online and spoke directly 
with residents on their doorsteps and at civic events. Everyone could 
count on Councilman Grocott to offer them information about the public 
services and initiatives being undertaken in San Carlos.
  The city has a new budget process that makes it much easier for 
residents to figure out what the city is accomplishing. Matt Grocott 
has supported this process and used it to explain what the city does 
well and where it needs to improve.
  During his tenure, he served on multiple joint power authorities and 
committees. This is not glamorous work, but these appointments help 
cities work together to create the greatest value for residents. 
Councilman Grocott served on the Airport Land Use committee, the SFO 
Roundtable, the governing board of the library, the Grand Boulevard 
Initiative to re-imagine our El Camino Real, the South County Fire 
Authority, the Belmont San Carlos Fire Board, several subcommittees of 
the City/County Association of Governments, and multiple other boards, 
committees and commissions intended to answer many quality of life 
issues that vex any community.
  Councilman Grocott has been a staunch advocate for persons on fixed 
incomes and for taxpayers. He has often persuaded residents as to the 
wisdom of his viewpoint, and they rewarded him with repeated re-
election and, at times, by voting as he recommended on measures on the 
ballot.

[[Page E1626]]

  San Carlos is known as the City of Good Living. Its streets are more 
bike friendly because Councilman Grocott is an avid supporter of bike 
riding for the entire family. Its trails, playing fields and parks are 
more enjoyable because Matt Grocott insisted that parks have facilities 
as accessible as possible to all residents. His advocacy for small 
business is heartfelt and longstanding. He is a trusted advocate for 
many merchants throughout the city.
  After many years in public service, Councilman Grocott has decided to 
move on to different challenges and will also have more time to spend 
with his wife, Vivian, and step-son, Daniel. He will be remembered as a 
man who believed passionately in local government. While a community 
may ultimately speak with a single voice about a given subject, it 
takes many voices to create this result. Through long nights and 
difficult deliberations, Councilman Grocott contributed to governing 
San Carlos towards a better future. I join the community in thanking 
him for his service and wishing him well in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________