[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 33 (Friday, February 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                 HONORING THE SERVICE OF MICHAEL HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 17, 2023

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of 
former Mayor of Pleasant Hill Michael Harris as he retires after more 
than 30 years of service to Contra Costa County.
  Throughout his career, Michael has shown his steadfast commitment to 
bettering the lives of Contra Costans and improving our community. He 
began his career in public service with the Moraga Planning Commission, 
later going on to serve 4 years on the Moraga Town Council. When 
Michael moved to Pleasant Hill with his family, he used his skills to 
serve his new hometown. He was appointed to the Pleasant Hill Planning 
Commission in 1999 and was a key player in the creation of downtown 
Pleasant Hill. Thanks to Michael's leadership, the city has grown 
significantly, allowing businesses to thrive, and fostering a greater 
sense of community in Pleasant Hill. Michael also spearheaded the 
city's Community Service Day, allowing residents to unite in an effort 
to better the community.
  Further, Michael has worked tirelessly to support our community's 
youth, establishing the Pleasant Hill Education Initiative to expand 
educational opportunities in the city and regularly volunteering at 
local schools. He also served on the Contra Costa County Managed Care 
Commission, managing the county's healthcare system and advocating for 
a reliable and effective healthcare system for all Contra Costans. 
Michael's work has had a profound impact on both Pleasant Hill and the 
county at large.
  Outside of his work in government, Michael is also an esteemed 
optometrist and devoted educator. He serves as Clinical Professor 
Emeritus and Senior Lecturer Emeritus at the UC Berkeley School of 
Optometry. Michael has been a part of UC Berkeley's faculty for over 50 
years, training thousands of optometrists and preparing them to enter 
the field. He has also authored over 200 scientific papers and 
published 4 books on this subject. Through his professional experience, 
Michael is able to offer a unique perspective and provide a clear 
vision of leadership for our community.
  Please join me in congratulating Michael Harris on his well-deserved 
retirement after more than 3 decades of outstanding public service to 
Contra Costa.

                          ____________________