[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 207 (Tuesday, December 8, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MAYOR ELIZABETH PATTERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 8, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, and to celebrate her retirement from the 
City of Benicia after 17 years of public service.
  Born in Los Angeles, Mayor Patterson has lived in Benicia since 1983. 
Prior to her time in local government, she worked for California's 
Department of Water Resources as an environmental scientist for three 
decades and served as the Executive Director of the Partnership for 
Regional Livability on the White House Task Force on Livable 
Communities under President Clinton. In 2003, Mayor Patterson was 
elected to the Benicia City Council, where she served for four years 
before being elected as Mayor in 2007.
  Throughout her years of leadership in Benicia, Mayor Patterson has 
championed environmental preservation initiatives. She was instrumental 
in the creation of Benicia's Community Sustainability Commission, which 
will promote environmentally friendly economic development for years to 
come. Mayor Patterson has also played a vital role in enacting 
Benicia's Water Smart Program, both conserving water and lowering costs 
for the community. Beyond her commitment to sustainability, Mayor 
Patterson has been a leader in promoting cultural advancement and 
preservation in Benicia by creating Benicia's Arts and Cultural 
Commission and increasing the number of designated historical 
properties.
  Madam Speaker, Mayor Patterson is an outstanding public servant with 
a deep dedication to her community. Even in retirement, she plans to 
continue fighting for environmental protections. Mayor Patterson 
exemplifies true leadership and integrity, and she will have a lasting 
impact on the City of Benicia. It is therefore fitting and proper that 
we honor her here today.

                          ____________________