[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 211 (Monday, December 14, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1138-E1139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF JESS ``JAY'' BENTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 14, 2020

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jess ``Jay'' 
Benton as he departs the Hillsborough Town Council. Jay is deeply 
committed to serving his country and his community.
  During the Vietnam War, Jay served as an officer on the USS Lowe, a 
destroyer escort. He is a graduate of the University of Southern 
California and is a big Trojans fan. He currently serves on the Board 
of Leaders at the University of Southern California Marshall School of 
Business.
  He worked for 35 years for ABM Industries and retired as the Chief 
Operating Officer. In 2003, he was appointed Co-Chairman of the Expert 
Review Committee for the California Business, Transportation and 
Housing Agency and in 2004 he was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger 
to the California Performance Review Commission. For several years he 
also served on the Town of Hillsborough's financial advisory board 
which, as a practical matter, offers the expert advice of global 
financial investors to the city council.
  Prior to public service, his volunteer work included serving on the 
Board of Directors of the YMCA of San Francisco, as Chairman, and on 
the boards of Broadway by the Bay and the Hillsborough Schools 
Foundation. Clearly, Jay Benton is a man who relishes the challenge of 
responsibility.
  His leap into the role of officeholder occurred when he was appointed 
to the city council in 2008 and solidified when he was elected in 2010. 
Since then, he's served three terms and as Mayor from December 2012 to 
December 2014. He's also been Hillsborough's member on the Central 
County

[[Page E1139]]

Fire Board, serving as Chairman in 2010 through 2011.
  Jay joined the council with a willingness to learn everything, a 
determination to probe staff reports and to deliver for the residents 
of Hillsborough. I have heard how Jay saved the town $1 million on a 
computer system purchase by challenging the cost.
  Jay became the city's expert on water issues when he was appointed to 
a local agency charged with serving the interests of Peninsula cities 
receiving water from San Francisco's Hetch Hetchy system. Hillsborough 
owns its own water system but is reliant on the Hetch Hetchy system for 
water. There have been a few droughts and numerous public policy 
challenges, including an expensive capital improvement program, during 
Jay's tenure. He is described as having a ``passion'' for water. He is 
quick to point out opportunities to operate better and always well 
prepared for the agency's meetings.
  Twice per year, Hillsborough's civic leadership gathers to compare 
notes and to coordinate. Present are leaders from public and private 
schools, the town, nonprofits and civic organizations of various types, 
and interested citizens. The convocation is known as the Hillsborough 
Community Roundtable and its purpose is to let everyone know about the 
plans for civic events and government services for the next six months. 
Jay Benton has presided over this semi-annual meeting and won accolades 
from all involved because he is both a good listener and, not 
surprisingly, a good leader.
  Jay Benton is the devoted husband of Ann and they have been married 
since October 7, 1967. They have five children: Bill (Susan), Tom 
(Jane), Jim (Mari), Jenny, and Andy (Morgan). Jay also has ten 
grandchildren. On December 13, 2020, the day before he steps down from 
the city council, Jay will turn 80 years old, yet another example of 
age not being a liability in public life.
  Madam Speaker, Jay Benton will leave with the city's finances strong, 
its capital stock well maintained, its spirits high despite the 
challenge of the current pandemic, and the future of the community well 
charted for many years to come. In Jay, the town has a leader who stood 
the test of time. His neighbors, friends and constituents wish Jay, in 
the hopeful language of naval adventurers, fair winds and following 
seas. It has been my privilege to serve with Jay Benton, a great local 
leader.

                          ____________________