[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E56]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE CAREER OF LES WRIGHT--FRESNO COUNTY AGRICULTURAL 
                              COMMISSIONER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 16, 2019

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of Les 
Wright, on the occasion of his retirement as Fresno County's 
Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures. Les' 
final day as Agricultural Commissioner will be January 25, 2019. This 
is the culmination of a successful 27-year civil service, leadership 
and management career throughout the State of California.
  Les, a native of Modoc County, earned his Associates degree in 
Production Agriculture from Shasta College. He began his career in 
government in 1976, serving at a border inspection station. With a 
background as a rancher, it did not take long for Les to realize his 
true passion was in agriculture. He quickly rose up the ranks, serving 
as the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer for Modoc County, Deputy 
Commissioner of Kings County and Chief Deputy Commissioner of Fresno 
County. He was appointed Fresno County's Agricultural Commissioner on 
August 5, 2013.
  As the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner, Les' primary 
objective is to promote and protect the county's multibillion-dollar 
agricultural industry. In his role, he oversees the number one 
agriculture producing county in the nation. Fresno County produces over 
350 types of crops and is known to many as the breadbasket of the 
world. He is passionate about his work and serves as advocate for 
growers through the county. Passion for the agricultural industry run 
deep in the Wright household, as Les' wife Marilyn Kinoshita-Wright is 
also retiring this month from her position as Tulare County 
Agricultural Commissioner.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Les 
Wright for his career achievements as Fresno County Agricultural 
Commissioner. Les will leave a robust foundation for Fresno County to 
continue to build upon. I wish Les and his wife Marilyn the very best 
as they enter this new phase of their life.

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