[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  HONORING THE LEGACY OF MAX RODRIGUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2026

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life 
of Max Rodriguez, a devoted public servant, community leader, and 
lifelong resident of Madera, California, who passed away on April 24, 
2026, at the age of 86.
  Born on November 3, 1939, to Josephine and Maximo Rodriguez, Max was 
raised on Madera's east side, where he developed a lifelong commitment 
to service, hard work, and community. After graduating from Madera High 
School in 1958, he continued his education at Fresno City College and 
went on to proudly serve in the California Army National Guard.
  Max's professional life reflected his values of dedication and 
leadership. He began as a farmworker before spending 25 years at the 
American Forest Products, also known as North Fork Sawmill, where he 
became the Financial Secretary and President of Lumber and Sawmill 
Workers Union Local 2762. Following the closure of the sawmill in 1985, 
he pursued a career as a Farmers Insurance agent, serving the Madera 
community until his retirement in 2008.
  Max Rodriguez's public service was equally distinguished. First 
elected to the Madera County Board of Supervisors in 2004, he proudly 
represented District 4 for four consecutive terms, dedicating 16 years 
to improving the quality of life for the county's residents. During his 
tenure, he championed safe neighborhoods, quality schools, economic 
development. and public safety initiatives.
  He played a pivotal role in organizing Fresno River clean-up efforts, 
expanding law enforcement coverage, and supporting infrastructure 
projects, including the high-speed rail and associated regional 
development. He also contributed to education and youth programs, 
supporting the construction of multiple schools within the Madera 
Unified School District and helping establish the John Wells Youth 
Center at Centennial Park.
  Beyond the board of supervisors, he served on numerous boards and 
commissions, including the Madera County Transportation Commission, 
First 5 Madera County, LAFCO, and the San Joaquin River Conservancy, 
among others. His civic engagement extended to organizations such as 
the Pan-American Club, the Madera Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the 
NAACP Branch 1084.
  Max was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Sarah 
Rodriguez; his parents; and his siblings, Connie Munoz, Josephine 
Herrera, Victoria Contreras, Mary Helen Soto, Hope Rosales, Vera Olono, 
and Phillip Rodriguez. He is survived by his children, Barbara Dolan 
(John), Karen Scrivner (Gary), and Mark Rodriguez; as well as his 
grandchildren, Davis Pogue, and Juliana Pogue.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Max Rodriguez for his decades of service and enduring impact on the 
Madera Community. May his life continue to inspire public servants and 
citizens alike.

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