[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12079]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO JIM HOKIT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it with great pride that I take this 
opportunity to pay tribute to Jim Hokit. Jim has been a valued member 
of the Montrose community for over twenty years. During this time he 
has served his community as the manager of the Uncompahgre Valley Water 
Users Association. Through his leadership and hard work Jim has brought 
the Association into a golden age even paying off its outstanding debt 
forty-five years early. Now after 30 years with the company Jim is 
retiring from the association. I can think of no better way to 
celebrate Jim's retirement than to recognize his successful career and 
his contributions to our community.
  Jim's position as manager of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users 
Association is just one of the accomplishments that Jim has achieved. 
He has served on the Colorado Water Congress in every executive office, 
as chair of multiple committees and on the board of directors since 
1981. Because of Jim's expertise and experience, he served as President 
of the Colorado Water Congress in 1994 through 1995. Jim is also a 
member of the Four States Irrigation Council and served as president in 
1988. In recognition of Jim's tireless dedication to the Council he has 
received every award that the Council gives including the President's 
award. Jim is active in many organizations including the Colorado River 
Water Users Association and Club 20. Due to his passion for water 
issues, experience in the field and excellence, Governor Owens 
appointed Jim to the Colorado Water and Power Authority.
  In addition to his service to the State of Colorado in water issues 
Jim is also involved in his community of Montrose. He has served as 
director of the Montrose Economic Development Council for nine years 
and director of the Montrose Chamber of Commerce for six years. Perhaps 
most importantly Jim is a loving husband to his wife Betty and a 
devoted father to his three children and grandfather of two.
  Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to bring the life of a man like Jim 
Hokit to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation. Jim 
has gained the respect of his colleagues and fellow citizens and I am 
proud to represent him and his family. Jim's life is a testament to 
hard work and a passion and an example to us all. Thank you Jim for all 
that you have done to protect our precious resource of water and all 
that you have done for your community and enjoy your retirement.

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