[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23067]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       THE HONORABLE LEON L. WILLIAMS--A TRUE INSPIRATION TO ALL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, the city of San Diego had 
the honor of recognizing one of its greatest civic and progressive 
leaders, the Honorable Leon L. Williams who finally retired, after more 
than three decades of public life.
  Early in his career, Leon was an executive with the San Diego Urban 
League, a director of the Neighborhood Youth Corps and an 
administrative assistant to three county sheriffs. Leon used these 
early positions to become a voice for police reform--advocating a 
community-based police approach long before it became popular or 
trendy.
  Many present and former elected officials have greatly benefited from 
the knowledge and wisdom of Leon over these past 30 years. Whether as a 
member of the San Diego City Council, the San Diego County Board of 
Supervisors or as Chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Development 
Board, Leon's statesman-like qualities and demeanor were appreciated, 
admired and copied by many of his colleagues, associates and staff 
members.
  As a strong advocate for developing older neighborhoods, not 
discarding them, Leon led the charge to create the Centre City 
Development Corp. and the Southeast Economic Development Corporation 
(SEDC). An unquestioned authority on urban transportation issues, 
Leon's ideas and vision helped San Diego develop a top-notch 
transportation system. That is why, in 2004, Leon was selected Board 
Member of the Year by the American Public Transportation Association. 
Also, Leon strongly believed, correctly I might add, that the San Diego 
Trolley System would bring the many neighborhoods of San Diego closer 
together.
  Several of Leon's towering contributions to San Diego remain in place 
today and have blossomed; for example, both the Trolley and SEDC have 
grown and continue to provIde well paying jobs and numerous business 
opportunities to residents living in southeastern San Diego.
  Even in retirement, Leon remains gracious with his time, civic 
expertise and wisdom by helping to improve the quality of life for all 
San Diegans.
  The Honorable Leon L. Williams truly has been an inspiration to all 
of San Diego.

                          ____________________