[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22475]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING RETIRING SUISUN CITY MAYOR JIM SPERING

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Suisun City mayor, 
Jim Spering, who after serving 20 years as the mayor of Suisun City 
will be stepping down to assume his newly elected position as the 
Solano County supervisor for District Three in January.
  Under the leadership of Jim Spering, the city of Suisun constructed a 
new city hall on the waterfront, symbolizing Suisun City's 
transformation from what the San Francisco Chronicle rated as ``the 
worst city to live in'' to what is now considered a jewel on the water. 
City hall, which for many years was located in a trailer, was ``the 
only city hall in California that was registered with the Department of 
Motor Vehicles.'' The city now contains some of the best public spaces 
in the county, has a vibrant downtown, the quality of housing has 
improved tremendously, and the city's crime rate has dropped 
dramatically.
  Similar to Billy Beane, the general manager of his favorite team, the 
Oakland Athletics, Jim has been creative in finding innovative 
solutions during times of fiscal stress.
  In addition to his leadership position on the Suisun City council, 
Jim Spering has assumed a leadership role on regional transportation 
issues. This has earned him the reputation as Solano County's ``go to 
guy'' on transportation matters. Jim Spering has been past chairman of 
the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the 9-county San 
Francisco Bay area region and is currently on the board. At the MTC, 
Jim helped found the Transportation for Livable Communities Program 
which provides incentives for pedestrian and transit-oriented 
developments that strengthen the link between transportation, land use 
and community goals.
  Jim Spering has also represented Suisun City or Solano County on 
several boards and commissions including the City Housing Authority, 
the Solano Transportation Authority, and District, and Capitol Corridor 
Joint Powers Board. Jim has been a tremendous asset to the city of 
Suisun and Solano County as one of their most experienced and valued 
mayors. His efforts earned for him the high esteem of his associates 
and the appreciation of the public.
  As Jim Spering steps down as mayor of Suisun City, I would like to 
thank him and his wife Pam for their commitment and service to the 
community of Suisun City. I wish Jim the best of luck in his new 
leadership role on the Solano County board of supervisors.

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