[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 963]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO LAURA PEARSON, RIVERSIDE CITY COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 2004

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of 
Riverside, California are exceptional. Riverside has been fortunate to 
have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and 
unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a 
better place to live and work. Laura Pearson is one of these 
individuals.
  Laura has represented Ward 7 of the City of Riverside for 14 years 
and has faithfully represented her constituents who live in both rural 
residential and contemporary neighborhoods. Her ability to see all 
sides of an issue have enabled her to be an effective councilmember.
  Laura served as the Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee, Vice 
Chair for the Development Committee and as a member of the Utility 
Services/Land Use/Energy Development Committee. At the regional level, 
Laura served on the Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency Board, 
City/County Animal Control Advisory Committee, Regional Water Quality 
Board and the Model Deaf Community Task Force.
  In 1998, a former Riverside City employee broke into the Riverside 
City Council Chamber during a meeting and seriously injured several 
people including Laura. Despite this incident, Laura persevered and 
continued public service. Her courage and devotion demand our deepest 
respect and gratitude.
  Laura is newly and happily married to Bill Densmore, a County 
Veterans' Service Officer and a City of Riverside Planning 
Commissioner. She is also a proud mother and grandmother.
  Laura's tireless passion for community service has contributed 
immensely to the betterment of the community of Riverside, California. 
She has been the heart and soul of many community initiatives and I am 
proud to call her a fellow community member, American and friend. I 
know that many community members are grateful for her service and 
salute her as she retires.

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