[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1596]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATING MAYOR JIM RIDENOUR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2012

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my sincere 
congratulations to Mayor Jim Ridenour, as he completes his second term 
and concludes his service as Mayor of Modesto, California.
  Born and raised in Modesto, Mayor Ridenour enjoyed a successful 
career in the ambulance industry before embarking on a career in public 
service. In 1974, he became the first paramedic certified in Santa 
Barbara County and served in law enforcement as a reserve deputy in 
both Stanislaus and Santa Barbara Counties. In forty years of service, 
Mayor Ridenour became Vice President for Central Valley Operations for 
American Medical Response and served five terms as chairman of the 
California Ambulance Association.
  Since 2003, Mayor Ridenour led the city of Modesto under the premise 
that local government should be responsive to its citizens by providing 
basic services, while still being a responsible steward of taxpayers' 
dollars. The Mayor's background in business proved to be a perfect 
foundation for his commitment to making the City of Modesto a safe and 
prosperous community. During his time in office, Mayor Ridenour focused 
on improving the city's economic development, its transportation 
problems, and the citizens' overall quality of life. In addition to his 
many daily tasks as Mayor, Mayor Ridenour also served as chair of the 
Audit Committee for the Modesto City Council.
  Mayor Ridenour further demonstrated his commitment to public service 
during his tenure as the 2010-2011 President of the League of 
California Cities. He demonstrated true leadership by bringing leaders 
together to address regional and State challenges.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending the 
outstanding contributions made to the City of Modesto by its long-time 
public servant, Mayor Jim Ridenour. He has been a true inspiration to 
those he has served; and although he has completed his service as 
Mayor, I know he will continue to make a meaningful difference in the 
lives of those around him.

                          ____________________