[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 215 (Friday, December 18, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1181-E1182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF FORMER COUNCILWOMAN CATHY REYNOLDS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 18, 2020

  Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
achievements of Former Denver City Councilwoman Cathy Reynolds who 
passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the age of 75.
  Cathy was a leader, fighter and history maker from Colorado. She was 
a trailblazer-Denver City Council's first elected Councilwoman and also 
its longest serving member. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, 
Cathy moved to Denver in the mid-1960's when her

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husband Rick accepted a position with Denver Public Schools. Cathy had 
a strong desire to give back to her new city, and she landed on the 
Denver City Council in 1975.
  During her 28 years serving on City Council, Cathy proved to be an 
effective and hardworking elected official. Evidence of her 
achievements can be found throughout the region-from our world-renowned 
airport to our popular football stadium and convention center.
  But Cathy's most important legacy was her unwavering and fearless 
commitment to social justice. When she moved lo ban assault weapons in 
Denver, she faced numerous insults and even threats against her own 
life with the kind of grace and resolve that earned the respect of some 
of her fiercest opponents. And with similar fortitude, Cathy led the 
fight on changing local zoning ordinances so that LGBTQ individuals and 
those who are differently-abled could no longer be excluded from living 
in certain neighborhoods. Truly, Cathy Reynolds was a force to be 
reckoned with, as those with whom she served would quickly tell you; 
however, she was also fair, and funny, and kind to everyone she met.
  Not surprisingly, Cathy's unique personal traits and organizing 
ability led her to fill key leadership roles, including the role of 
council president, a position in which she served five times. 
Additionally, beyond the City Council, Cathy's leadership qualities and 
passion for social progress resulted in her serving two terms as 
president of the Colorado Municipal League and chair of the National 
League of Cities.
  As a political activist and then a young state legislator in the 
1990's, I admired Cathy's style--tough but accessible--and her 
unwavering commitment to civil rights for all. Cathy was a model for me 
as I fought at the state level for many of the issues she had 
successfully championed in Denver.
  Put simply, Cathy Reynolds was a trailblazing and tireless advocate 
on behalf of the community she loved; and her longtime public service 
was an inspiration to young leaders regardless of their gender. Though 
Cathy's legacy will remain alive for many decades to come, her powerful 
presence will be deeply missed.
  My heart goes out to her husband Rick Reynolds, as well as to their 
two children and four grandchildren. I hope they find comfort in the 
knowledge that their dear loved one was not only a treasure and 
inspiration to them, but also to the countless Denverites whose lives 
she touched.

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