[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 8, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING DAVID CONDON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 8, 2020

  Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
thank Mayor David Condon, who will go down as Spokane's most 
significant mayor since Expo '74. Mayor Condon is a friend, my former 
district director and deputy chief of staff, a former U.S. Army 
Captain, and a visionary and compassionate leader who during his eight 
years of service to the City of Spokane showed that a good government 
doesn't have to be an expensive one.
  When David earned the trust of Spokane's citizens and was elected as 
mayor, the crime in the city was high, development had slowed, and the 
river that runs through the heart of the city was becoming more 
polluted every day. David set out with a tremendous vision to reverse 
these trends, and lead a revitalization of the city that will continue 
to be realized and appreciated for decades to come.
  During his time as the Mayor of Spokane--the largest city in my 
district--David was known for his focus on solutions to help the city 
grow and modernize for the future. He was instrumental in championing 
the revival of Spokane's Riverfront Park, cleaning up our river and 
restoring the lifeblood of Spokane. His efforts were recognized 
nationally, including by President Obama.
  During his thoughtful tenure, Spokane thrived because David always 
worked to bring new and exciting businesses to our area and provide 
even more opportunities for people to build a better life. The city's 
median household income has increased by 37 percent since 2014, job 
growth is up 3.9 percent since 2015, and the crime rate is down. The 
future of Spokane's libraries is secured through David's leadership in 
passing a bond to remodel four existing libraries and build three more. 
David also championed rebuilding the city's aging infrastructure 
through smart investment and encouraging private partnerships. He hired 
more police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders and 
improved our emergency service response time to better protect and 
serve the city. Spokane, and all of Eastern Washington, is stronger 
today because of Mayor Condon's remarkable and visionary leadership.
  He put Spokane on the map. We are no longer a medium-sized town in 
search of our identity, we are a national model and a shining example 
for other cities to follow. That is because of David's time, talent, 
sweat, and tears.
  I'm proud to call David a friend and colleague. As he embarks on the 
next chapter, we will miss the leadership that he brought. On behalf of 
Washington's Fifth Congressional District, I thank Mayor Condon for his 
eight years of service and commitment to the City of Spokane. He left 
the city better off than he found it and truly made Spokane the ``City 
of Choice.''

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