[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 19, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E45]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING COUNCILMEMBER WENDY SKILLMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 19, 2021

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Cotati City Councilmember Wendy Skillman on the occasion of her 
retirement after more than eight years of dedicated service to our 
community.
  Councilmember Skillman's record as a public servant traces back to 
2008, when she first moved to Cotati. As a member of the city's 
Community and Environment Commission, she organized beloved events 
including the annual Christmas tree lighting and the ever-popular Pasta 
Feed and Bingo Night. After more than three years as the Commission's 
Secretary and later Vice Chair, she assumed the role of Cotati Planning 
Commissioner, where she developed strategies in cooperation with local 
businesses and homeowners to grow the city's economy while protecting 
its small-town charm. Those she worked with appreciated her ability to 
find common ground and advance solutions that served everyone's 
interests.
  Following her initial foray into city politics, Councilmember 
Skillman ran a successful campaign for City Council in 2012. Focusing 
on affordable housing and championing local small businesses, she 
generated wide-spread community support that carried her to a 
resounding reelection victory four years later. Throughout her terms, 
she has prioritized cooperation and compromise, leading to many 
successes. Under her watch, the city emerged from its financial 
troubles, not only keeping public services operational, but expanding 
the Police Department, adding new Public Works employees, and kick-
starting recreation programs. Well respected by her fellow Council 
Members, she served with distinction as the Vice Mayor of Cotati in 
2014 and 2019 and as Mayor in 2015 and 2020. Her leadership, 
dedication, and tenacity will surely be missed by her colleagues and 
constituents.
  Madam Speaker, Councilmember Wendy Skillman exemplifies the very best 
qualities that our community looks to in a leader. It is therefore 
fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

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