[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5128]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                        RECOGNIZING CAROL ARENDS

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                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2016

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
legacy of a friend, mentor, and dedicated public servant who changed 
the community of Bremerton for the better: Carol Arends. As the longest 
serving woman on Bremerton's City Council, Mrs. Arends guided 
Bremerton's downtown revitalization and was instrumental to breaking 
down barriers for women seeking local public office.
  Mrs. Arends' career path is a testament to her capabilities, innate 
knack for problem solving, and lifelong commitment to serving the 
public. Growing up in Tenino, Washington, Carol graduated second in her 
high school class and entered college to study business. She then 
embarked on a career at the Department of Natural Resources before 
relocating to Bremerton, Washington with her husband, John. Carol came 
to Bremerton ready to pull her sleeves up and get to work, and it 
wasn't long before she was an invaluable member of the community and 
serving the City of Bremerton on a number of advisory committees.
  Mrs. Arends' determination and vision for the city is ultimately what 
led to her recruitment in 1997 to run for Bremerton City Council. After 
her successful bid, Carol went on to serve four terms on the Bremerton 
City Council, including three years as council president.
  One doesn't have to look far to see the fruits of Mrs. Arends' labor. 
During her tenure as Councilmember, the City of Bremerton saw the 
approval of the Kitsap Conference Center, Harborside Fountain Park, a 
public safety bond, and a transit tunnel to better connect Washington 
State Ferries to our community. What Carol knew was that great 
leadership is the capacity to translate vision to reality. And with her 
guidance, she empowered us all to be part of that reality.
  Mr. Speaker, I have been encouraged by Mrs. Arends' leadership and I 
am honored to have considered her a partner and a friend. During good 
times and during her battle with illness, she was always there with a 
smile, a quip, and a desire to keep at it. Our community is stronger 
and more vibrant thanks to her thoughtful leadership and I am honored 
to recognize Carol Arends today in the United States Congress.

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