[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 1, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H2985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF JOE GUNTER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Panetta) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life 
of the mayor of Salinas, California, Joe Gunter.
  Mayor Gunter passed on Monday after a quick bout, unfortunately, with 
cancer.
  Mayor Gunter was a true public servant, who truly understood what it 
means and what it takes to live up to our obligations as Americans--to 
give back to his country and community--that gives all of us so much.
  Right out of high school, Mayor Gunter joined the Marines where he 
served and fought in Vietnam. Right out of his service to our country, 
Mayor Gunter joined the Salinas Police Department where he proudly 
served and protected for 32 years.
  And right out of that service to our community, Mayor Gunter then 
volunteered at a Women's Crisis Center, in youth sports, for the 
Salinas Air Show, and the California Rodeo.
  But that wasn't enough. Because right out of retirement, Joe then 
served as mayor of Salinas for the past 8 years. And I can tell you, as 
Mayor Joe knew well that it really wasn't about the snarkiness of your 
tweets, it is about making government work for people.
  Joe would tell you he wasn't much for politics, but when it came to 
serving the people of Salinas, Mayor Gunter was the best. Because Joe 
knew dang well that good governing is good politics.
  My prayers are with his wife, Lisa, his children, and his 
grandchildren. I hope they take comfort knowing that although Joe will 
be missed, his legacy of service will always endure with the people of 
this country and the community of Salinas, California.

                          ____________________