[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 18, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1051-E1052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOOGNIZING JERRY THORNE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 18, 2020

  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize my 
friend, Jerry Thorne, on the occasion of his retirement from service to 
the City of Pleasanton, California, one of the largest cities in my 
congressional district.
  Jerry has made public service a way of life. After completing 
commitments to the United States Army and the Anny National Guard 
Officer Corps, he left the military holding the rank of captain. He 
then transitioned into the tech world with a decades-long career in 
global operations management, facilities design, and environmental 
engineering for some of the most recognizable names in Silicon Valley. 
During that time, Jerry settled in Pleasanton, where he has made his 
home for over 40 years.
  His service to the city began in 1995 when Jerry became Parks and 
Recreation Commissioner. He chaired that commission for ten years 
before making his first successful run for the Pleasanton City Council. 
After three terms on the council from 2005 to 2012, he decided to take 
the reins and run for mayor. He won that race and Jerry dutifully 
served as mayor of the City of Pleasanton for four two-year terms.
  During Jerry's tenure, Pleasanton went through a remarkable period of 
growth. It is now home to numerous start-up and established technology 
and biotechnology companies, enabling employees to work near where they 
want to live. He also helped oversee the

[[Page E1052]]

development of several new parks and an aquatic center. And, Jerry has 
worked to ensure that the city commits to and invests in a high-quality 
education for Pleasanton's children. This has helped establish 
Pleasanton Unified School District as one of the premier districts in 
California.
  All the organizations to which Jerry has devoted his time and energy 
are too numerous to mention. However, I would like to highlight his 
role as a founding member of the Pleasanton Sentinels of Freedom. This 
group focuses its efforts on providing opportunities for veterans who 
have suffered severe injuries as a result of their service. I also 
appreciate Jerry's guidance as he serves as one of my Service Academy 
Nomination Board members; that board helps me recommend some of the 
best and brightest student constituents for admission into some of our 
country's finest educational institutions and begin careers of service 
themselves.
  I thank Jerry. While I look forward to continuing to work with him on 
mutual areas of interest in our community, his retirement is well 
earned, and I hope he is able to enjoy more time at home with his wife, 
daughter, and grandchildren.

                          ____________________