[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18874-18875]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO WELLINGTON E. WEBB, MAYOR OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 21, 2003

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the exceptional 
accomplishments of a prominent citizen in the 1st Congressional 
District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that we recognize 
this distinguished public servant for his impressive record of civic 
leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend this eminent 
citizen that I rise to honor Wellington E. Webb, Mayor of the City & 
County of Denver.
  Mayor Webb has been on the front lines of progress for decades and 
has proven to be a

[[Page 18875]]

powerful force in transforming the landscape of our city. His career in 
public service began in 1972 when he was elected to the Colorado House 
of Representatives representing northeast Denver. In 1977, he was 
selected by then President Jimmy Carter to serve as Regional Director 
of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. In 1981, then 
Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm appointed him to his cabinet as 
Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies 
and in 1987, he was elected Denver City Auditor.
  In 1991, Wellington Webb was elected mayor of Denver and is the first 
African American to hold this office. He led our city through an era 
that has been characterized as a time of vision, energy, progress and 
economic transformation. Under his leadership, Denver's open space has 
increased by approximately fifty percent. Denver's economic turnaround 
during the 1990's is considered a national model. Mayor Webb's 
commitment to children and education spurred city investment into 
initiatives including the Safe City Program and the Summer Youth 
Employment Program. He stood up to violence in our community on 
numerous occasions and continually affirmed tolerance as a essential 
civic value. Mayor Webb has brought a passion for the Arts dedicating 
both time and resources to making our city a leading cultural center. 
He implemented some of the nations' most progressive historic 
preservation policies and our city has witnessed the economic benefits 
resulting from the preservation of Denver's historic core.
  During his tenure, Mayor Webb led successful ballot initiatives to 
enhance our economic vitality and quality of life including expansion 
of the Colorado Convention Center and the Denver Zoo, renovation of the 
Quigg Newton Auditorium and construction of the Pepsi Center and 
INVESCO Field at Mile High. The expansion of the Denver Central Public 
Library and construction of the Blair-Caldwell African American 
Research Library and the Webb Municipal Building are also to his 
credit. Additionally, Mayor Webb promoted the redevelopment of the 
former Stapleton Airport and Lowry Air Force Base sites--two of the 
largest in-fill projects in the country--as well as guided the 
transformation of Central Platte Valley.
  During his tenure, Denver International Airport established a 
reputation as one of the best run airports in the world which has 
enhanced the ability of existing firms to do business internationally 
and contributes to the region's ability to attract new businesses on a 
global scale. Mayor Webb led trade missions to China, Africa, Mexico 
and Europe to encourage investment and business development between 
nations. Under his leadership, Denver hosted World Youth Day with Pope 
John Paul II and hosted President Clinton and other world leaders for 
the Denver Summit of the Eight, an event that helped to put Denver on 
the global map.
  Mayor Webb has held several prominent national positions including 
most recently, President of the United States Conference of Mayors. 
Magazines including Newsweek, Fortune and Ebony have recognized him as 
one of our nation's most influential civic leaders. He continues to 
collaborate closely with his wife, former six-term Colorado State 
Representative, Wilma J. Webb. As Denver's First Lady, she has worked 
on various issues impacting our youth and families. She previously 
served as the Secretary's Representatives for Region VIII of the U.S. 
Department of Labor and has chaired various governmental groups, 
represented the city at public and private meetings and hosted national 
and international dignitaries.
  Wellington Webb's tenure as Mayor of the City and County of Denver is 
quickly drawing to a close. He has worked to preserve and improve the 
quality of life in our neighborhoods' and has been the catalyst for 
major civic enterprises and economic development undertakings in our 
city. The success Denver has enjoyed in recent years has been due, in 
large measure, to Mayor Webb's efforts in cultivating a shared vision 
and promoting inclusion. His leadership has been exemplary and his 
contributions are rich in consequence. On behalf of the citizens of the 
1st Congressional District, I wish to express our gratitude and look 
forward to his continued involvement in our civic life.
  Please join me in commending Mayor Wellington E. Webb, a 
distinguished public servant. It is the strong leadership he exhibits 
on a daily basis which continually enhances our lives and builds a 
better future for all Americans.

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