[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4634]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING WILLIAM SAVIDGE OF SAINT HELENA, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 14, 2005

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
William Savidge, Vice Mayor of Saint Helena, California, as he retires 
after 37 years of public service. His outstanding leadership and 
commitment to community service has made my hometown a better place.
  Throughout the past 11 years, Bill has served selflessly as a member 
of the Saint Helena City Council. In 1994 Mayor John Brown, appointed 
Bill to the city council citing his voice and perspectives as 
qualifications for the job. Mayor John Brown was right. Since he joined 
the council, Bill's leadership has benefited our entire community.
  Bill worked to pass a retrofit ordinance which lead to the 
restoration of 25 historic buildings in St. Helena. He reached out to 
youth of our community by leading the effort to build a teen center. 
Bill's public service was not limited to the City Council. He also 
served as St. Helena's representative to the county Housing Authority 
and, Housing Element Task Force.
  Mr. Speaker, Bill's devotion to community and country began many 
years before his time on City Council. Bill Savidge dedicated 24 years 
of his life serving our country in the Armed Forces. After earning his 
degree at Stanford University, Bill went on to become a pilot in the 
United States Air Force. He later received his MBA from George 
Washington University while stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base. Bill 
bravely fought for and protected our country in World War II, Korea, 
and Vietnam. In 1974 Bill retired from the military and he and his wife 
Charlotte moved to St. Helena.
  Even though Bill will retire from public office, his dedication to 
community does not end here. He plans to continue his active role with 
Kiwanis, the Food Pantry, and other local organizations. With his new 
found free time he also plans to write his memoirs.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that we honor William Savidge today, 
for his distinguished service to his community and to his Country and 
extend our best wishes in all of his future endeavors.

                          ____________________