[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10220]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING MAYOR TONY ARREDIA OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER J. ROSKAM

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public 
servant from my Congressional District, Mayor Tony Arredia of Des 
Plaines. After nine years as Mayor, Tony has decided to retire.
  Tony was born and raised on the west side of Chicago, and he attended 
Mount Carmel High School. In the private sector, Tony brought his 
talents and relational skills to bear as he worked for Continental Bank 
and the Asbury Court Retirement Community.
  In his first experience with elected public office, Tony served two 
terms as the 8th Ward Alderman of Des Plaines. Then, in 2000, Tony was 
appointed to replace Mayor Paul Jung. Over the years, Tony has been an 
insightful observer, keen in his understanding of the long-term 
challenges facing the City. Throughout his career, he has tackled these 
challenges with deft skill, deep understanding, and strong personal 
integrity.
  While constant change has brought a steady stream of new difficulties 
for Des Plaines to confront, one thing has remained the same. Mayor 
Arredia has kept a steady hand to the wheel, advising the City Council 
and working tirelessly for the benefit of the community and her 
residents.
  Tony Arredia has been an advocate for the people of Des Plaines since 
his very first days in office. Tony truly embodies the meaning of a 
public servant as he approaches his job with compassion and humility. 
In his time with the City, he has shown true leadership to bring 
economic development to the area and to achieve important progress in 
flood preparedness and relief. Tony has improved all of our lives and 
left an indelible impression on the City of Des Plaines.
  Madam Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, Tony Arredia is a 
remarkable leader who has dedicated his life to serving the people of 
Des Plaines. Please join me in recognizing his extraordinary service 
and wishing him every happiness in the well deserved respite of his 
retirement.

                          ____________________