[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 13 (Friday, January 20, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E37-E38]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING COUNCILMEMBER GARY KRAUS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 20, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Councilmember Gary Kraus in honor of his retirement from the Calistoga 
City Council.
  Mr. Kraus grew up in Claremont, California and graduated in 1974 from 
Mt. San Antonio College with an associate degree in fire science. After 
earning his degree, Mr. Kraus sought to protect his community by 
beginning

[[Page E38]]

a career in fire service for the City of Calistoga. He spent a total of 
38 years working for the fire department, including serving the last 8 
years as the Department's Fire Chief.
  In 2006, Mr. Kraus ran for and was elected to the Calistoga City 
Council. Mr. Kraus served as a Councilmember for 16 years and was 
successfully re-elected 3 times. During his time in public service, Mr. 
Kraus was a strong advocate for local support of the environment and 
addressing climate change. This led him to push for the re-
establishment of the Green Committee which will work to effectively 
implement Calistoga's climate action plan. Mr. Kraus also pushed for 
stronger building codes to improve fire safety and diminish negative 
environmental impact.
  Mr. Kraus had a number of other accomplishments including introducing 
the idea for the community to have free park and recreation services, 
working to significantly reduce Calistoga's unfunded liability debt, 
and serving for years on the city's finance committee.
  Even when not at work, Mr. Kraus was still serving his community as a 
passionate Rotarian. Due to his outstanding community service and 
leadership in the Rotary Club, he was eventually named Rotary Club of 
Calistoga President.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Councilman Kraus for his selfless service and 
commitment to the people of Calistoga.

                          ____________________