[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21162]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE RETIREMENT OF ROBERT McEWAN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
         OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2005

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career 
contributions of Robert McEwan to the Housing Authority of the County 
of Contra Costa and to the wider arena of affordable housing and 
redevelopment.
  Bob has led the Housing Authority for 7 years as a director who 
values the knowledge and expertise of his employees, seeks their input, 
and earns their respect and loyalty for relating to them as he relates 
to everyone, fairly and sincerely.
  During those 7 years, the Housing Authority faced and weathered a 
crisis of change in ways that the Federal Government compensates public 
housing authorities for the shelter and services they provide. Under 
Bob's leadership, at the prospect of shortfalls, the employees of the 
Housing Authority of Contra Costa did not retreat from their high 
quality standards of service to their customers and the community.
  Bob has left his mark of professional excellence in the wider 
community of nonfederally funded affordable housing. The Bay Point 180-
unit DeAnza Gardens Apartments, which he has served as corporation 
president, won the 2005 National Merit Award from the National 
Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. Bob has also served 
as a leader in local, regional and State organizations of his peers.
  Mr. Speaker, I honor Bob McEwan today for his qualities of leadership 
by example, commitment to professional standards, and genuine regard 
for the welfare of the people who live in the housing he has devoted 
his professional life to providing.
  ``What do we all want?'' he asks about affordable housing. ``A safe 
community for our kids, an attractive environment, a home we are proud 
of. That's what DeAnza is all about''.
  That's what Bob McEwan is all about. I wish him a blissful retirement 
in the company of his wife Jean, family, friends, fellow fishermen, 
and, on occasion, the surprised fish, fresh from a mountain stream, 
having an unexpected out-of-water experience.

                          ____________________