Elton Gallegly

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Martha Barrett, whose energy and dedication in her classroom and to her profession has earned her the honor as Ventura County's Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Barrett brings an entrepreneur's drive to teaching, totally immersing herself in her chosen profession, which isn't surprising when one considers that business was her chosen field when she entered San Diego State University. However, the future educator found joy by teaching a weekend religion class and switched to education, earning her master's degree and teaching credential. She now teaches students and her peers at Oxnard Elementary School District. Mrs. Barrett is a 17-year teaching veteran, teaching our youngest students to read, write and think. She is also a lifelong student, remaining current on the latest technology and teaching tools and sharing them with her peers. After years of serving as a mentor to her fellow teachers, Mrs. Barrett was assigned to the district's Peer Assistance and Review program last week. In that role, Mrs. Barrett will help struggling teachers and coach others who wish to improve their skills. There is little doubt her peers will benefit from Mrs. Barrett's insight. Administrators say they often have to turn away teachers who clamor to attend the numerous teaching workshops Mrs. Barrett has conducted. Her superintendent, Richard Duarte, has been quoted as calling her ``truly a master teacher.'' The mother of three also is active in her own children's schools and has been a team mom for her children's soccer teams. The Barretts have hosted exchange students from Japan and Spain. Mr. Speaker, as America focuses on improving education, Mrs. Barrett serves as a model of what we expect and need from our teachers. Teaching is not a job to Mrs. Barrett. It's a calling. She works hard, she cares about her students, and she cares about her profession. She also cares enough to help her peers reach higher, so their students can too. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating Mrs. Barrett on her achievement, in thanking her for a job very well done, and in wishing her future successes in the classroom and in her profession.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my support of H.R. 1871, the Mother Teresa Religious Worker Act of 1999, by adding my name as a cosponsor. H.R. 1871 is an important bill that permanently extends the religious worker visa program, which is set to expire at the end of this month. Under the current program, 5,000 religious workers enter the United States each year to participate in spiritual and charitable work in communities throughout our country, including many communities in my native California. The visa program allows religious organizations to sponsor non- minister religious workers from foreign countries. These volunteers often work with our most needy individuals through church programs to ensure they have shelter and food. Aside from assisting with the bare necessities, they minister to the sick, work with adolescents at risk, and assist refugees and immigrants when they first arrive in the United States. This program is due to expire on September 30 of this year. I call upon my colleagues to extend this religious worker visa program before this date to avoid any disruption for those seeking to enter our country. At the same time, both the Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service have expressed concerns that the religious worker visa program is vulnerable to fraud. I share many of these concerns. Therefore, as this legislation moves through Congress, we must address the issues raised by the State Department and INS and ensure that only those persons who perform religious work enter on these visas. I urge the permanent extension of the religious worker visa program at the earliest possible date.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to Jim and Marie McCoy, who recently celebrated 40 years as owners and operators of McCoy's Automotive & Towing in Santa Paula, California, a city in my district known for its world-renowned citrus and hardworking citizens. McCoy's Automotive offers foreign and domestic car service to its customers. Jim and Marie McCoy offer dedication and devotion to their community. While building a thriving business, Jim McCoy also found time to be president of the Chamber of Commerce, a City Councilman and Santa Paula's mayor. Marie McCoy has been active with the Brownies, the PTA and several other community organizations. Together, they took on many of the community's fund-raising needs, most recently the Jim Knight Annual Golf Tournament, which benefits Santa Paula Memorial Hospital. They built a family as they built a family business. The McCoys started with a two-bay garage in 1960 and expanded to a three-bay garage, with expanded services, three years later. By 1975, the McCoys had built such a loyal following that they had to move to their present location--an eight-bay garage--where they continue to grow. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that on the day we return from our districts, having just celebrated Labor Day, that we honor Jim and Marie McCoy. They epitomize the small businessperson--people who strive to build America's economy while raising strong families with strong ideals. They epitomize the entrepreneur, who takes time from his hectic schedule to serve as an elected official and community leader, and who takes time from her hectic schedule to raise funds for nonprofit organizations and serve in our schools. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating Jim and Marie McCoy for 40 years of successful ownership of McCoy Automotive & Towing, and thank them for a lifetime of devotion to their community.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the memory of Barbara Rose Isley, who died last week after decades of dedicated community service in my district. Mrs. Isley and her late husband, Mason, were founding members of the Camarillo Citizen Patrol, a citizens organization that helped the Camarillo Police Department with stakeouts, traffic control, crowd control, searching for lost or missing people and Kid Prints. She was known by her handle ``Ding-Dong Lady'' because she sold Avon products, an occupation she pursued for 35 years and for which she had achieved the honor of being a member of the President's Club. Through the years Mrs. Isley helped transform the Citizen Patrol from members patrolling in their personal vehicles wearing civilian clothes to the currently marked Citizen Patrol cars and uniforms. She was the unit's secretary from its founding until her death last week. During that time she guided eight Deputy Advisors as they took over the helm of the Citizen's Patrol. The Camarillo Citizen Patrol was the first disaster assistance team for Camarillo. Mrs. Isley and other members received training in first aid; shelter management; damage assessment surveys of fires, floods and earthquakes; and aiding the victims. One of Mrs. Isley's favorite stories about the Citizen's Patrol occurred in mid-1999. A series of vehicle burglaries were committed at a Camarillo hotel from February to July 1999. A two-month surveillance was launched. Mrs. Isley and another member, who were armed with binoculars and a two-way radio and stationed in a hotel room overlooking a parking lot, watched as three suspects broke into a van and took a computer case. She radioed to deputies who were nearby in unmarked cars. The suspects were quickly captured and booked into jail on multiple counts of burglary, conspiracy and possession of stolen property. A further investigation revealed that the three suspects were responsible for approximately 40 similar crimes along Highway 101 from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. Mrs. Isley graduated from the Citizen's Academy in November 1998 and was honored as the Camarillo Citizen Patrol Member of the Year for 1998. Avon and the Citizen Patrol were not Mrs. Isley's only passions. She was also a member of the Camarillo Christian Church and a volunteer for the American Red Cross for more than 20 years. She was also a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in honoring the memory of Barbara Rose Isley as a woman of strength and dedication whose work will continue to have a positive effect on her community, her friends and her family.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.Res. 544, which this Member, along with the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gonzalez) and 26 of our colleagues, introduced to commend the government and people of Mexico on their recent national elections. While Mexico, in fact, practiced democratic governments for the past several decades, the outcome of the July 2 presidential election ending 71 years of dominance in the office of the presidency by the PRI party represents the most dramatic and historic change in leadership in modern Mexican history. In addition, this legislation was deemed by both domestic and international electoral monitors as the freest, fairest, and most transparent election in Mexican history; and the broad participation of nearly two-thirds of Mexico's eligible citizenry further evidences the noteworthy success of the election. Mr. Speaker, aside from this broad recognition of success of the recent election, I want to address one important aspect of this election. I believe it is important to recognize Mexico's current President Ernesto Zedillo for his critical role in initiating reforms which assured the transparent and democratic process witnessed in the recent election. Two years ago, Mexican leaders from across the political spectrum, led by President Zedillo and representatives of the civil society, recognized the need for political and electoral reform and took important steps to achieve these laudable goals. One of the reforms he initiated was the establishment of the Independent Federal Electoral Institute, which was to oversee the electoral process, thereby insulating the electoral administration from political influence. In addition, President Zedillo was instrumental in instituting a primary selection process for future presidential candidates within his own PRI party which has ruled Mexico since 1929. This primary process was a major accomplishment which helped to democratize the party itself. Finally, Mr. Speaker, we should also recognize the diligent work of the National Action Party, or PAN, as well as the former political talent of President-elect Vicente Fox, which were also key factors in the July 2 electoral process. This vote for H.Res. 544 not only recognizes Mexico's successful election and congratulates President-elect Fox, but it hopefully ushers in a new chapter in U.S.-Mexican relations which I hope will further bind our nations through our shared aspirations in the future. Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to join me in congratulating the people of Mexico, members of civil society and the political parties for the dramatic process made over the past several years in bringing about this historic and laudable electoral success. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe).

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 544) congratulating the people of the United Mexican States on the success of their democratic elections held on July 2, 2000.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 544.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), who recently led a 44-member delegation to oversee the national election in Mexico. He is my good friend and the chairman of the House Committee on Rules. (Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of our time.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4697) to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to ensure that United States assistance programs promote good governance by assisting other countries to combat corruption throughout society and to promote transparency and increased accountability for all levels of government and throughout the private sector, as amended.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4697, as amended.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4697, a bill introduced by the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson), the ranking member of the Committee on International Relations. This bill amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, to authorize the President to establish programs that combat corruption in developing countries by promoting principles of good governance designed to enhance oversight of private and public programs. Mr. Speaker, this bill will strengthen our foreign assistance program and represent a sound investment for the future of good governance of developing societies. I urge my colleagues to vote for its adoption. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe).

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to again acknowledge the leadership of the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), and particularly thank the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson) on his leadership on this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I want to also thank my good friend the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) for his opening statement. Thanks to the gentleman from South Carolina (Chairman Spence) and also thanks to our majority leader the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) for their help in bringing H. Res. 549 to the floor today. I would also like to thank my constituent, Mr. Carl Wade of Ventura, who first brought the idea of a congressional resolution for this historic anniversary to my attention. Mr. Speaker, I introduced H. Res. 549 with the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor) to recognize the historical significance of August 27, 2000, as the 10th anniversary of President Bush calling up the Guard and Reserves to active duty for Operation Desert Shield. This resolution also pays tribute to the service of the Guard and Reserves in Operation Desert Storm and reaffirms congressional commitment to ensure the readiness of this vital component of our national security. The measure has 53 bipartisan cosponsors and the endorsement of the National Guard Association of the United States. Mr. Speaker, a little over 10 years ago, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait without provocation. Mr. Wade, a chief warrant officer in the United States Naval Reserve, was one of the 267,000 Guard and Reservists who answered President Bush's call on August 27, 1990, to draw a line in the sand and defend Saudi Arabia from further Iraqi aggression. When called upon, the Guard and Reserves were a part of the overall force that liberated Kuwait in Operation Desert Storm. The decision to send our sons and daughters into harm's way was probably the most important decision President Bush ever had to make. I know because I was one of the original cosponsors of the resolution to give the congressional authorization to use force to expel the Iraqis from Kuwait, a decision no one took lightly. This decision is even more difficult when we call upon the Guard and Reserves, units comprised not of career soldiers, Mr. Speaker, but our next-door neighbors. Of the 267,000 Guard and Reservists called to duty, 106,000 served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations, which includes the Middle East. Sixteen thousand served in a support capacity out of U.S. bases in Europe. And 145,000 served in a support capacity here at home in the United States. Mr. Speaker, 57 men and women Reservists and Guardsmen did not come home, and this resolution recognizes their sacrifice. As this resolution states, a majority of our Guard and Reservists who died did so in the Scud missile attack on the military barracks in Dharhan, Saudi Arabia. This was the largest loss of life in a single day for the United States during the war. Their sacrifice was not in vain. In a mere 40 days after Desert Storm began, Iraq's army was expelled from Kuwait. The Guard and Reserves were an integral part of that triumph. Mr. Speaker, I believe this is appropriate now, 10 years later, to take a moment and remember and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of these veterans made along with their families. And I say, ``families,'' because we always have to remember that when we send these men and women away, their loved ones sacrifice for their country as well. It is also time to recognize that the Reserves are being called upon to serve in even more hot spots as peacekeepers and peace enforcers. Currently, over 8,000 Guard and Reservists are serving around the world in places such as Bosnia, Kosovo, South Korea, Macedonia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia, to name just a few. I am asking this Congress to stand with me today and not only recognize the service of the Guard and Reserves in the past but to also reaffirm our commitment to ensure that we give these troops the best training and equipment we can provide. We must ensure the readiness of the Reserves.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1102, a bill that will enhance retirement security for all Americans. I want to particularly recognize my good friend, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman), my classmate, and my good friend, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin), and the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Archer) for their leadership, along with many other Members on both sides of the aisle in bringing this legislation to the floor in a timely fashion. This legislation includes a provision that increases from $2,000 to $5,000 per year the amount a person can contribute to their IRA. This mirrors the language in a bill I introduced, H.R. 1322, which has garnered strong bipartisan support, in fact, 220 cosponsors and also the endorsement of numerous groups representing senior citizen groups across this country. Increasing the annual IRA contribution limit is a matter of fundamental fairness. Since 1974, the year IRAs were created, the Consumer Price Index has increased 240 percent. Yet during the same period, the IRA level has only increased once; and this was way back in 1981. Had it simply kept pace with inflation, Americans would now be able to contribute over $5,000 instead of only $2,000. Mr. Speaker, a very important point of this legislation is that it has recently been brought to the attention of Members of this body that the net savings rate has dropped to zero for the first time since the Great Depression. If we do not reverse this trend, we threaten the long economic prosperity of our country. Finally, I would like to commend the authors for including language in H.R. 1102 that I strongly supported that indexes the IRA amount to the rate of inflation. We must never again let inflation eat away the amount that people can save. I would also like to thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson) and the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore) for all their help in working with me on this very important issue. I urge my colleagues to strongly support H.R. 1102.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Rabbi Shimon Paskow, who is retiring after 31 years of spiritual leadership of Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks, CA. Although the temple is not physically in my district, many of my constituents have benefited from Rabbi Paskow's spiritual leadership and human compassion. Among his many volunteer efforts, he has served as the Jewish Chaplain at the Ventura School of the California Youth Authority in Camarillo, CA. In that capacity, Rabbi Paskow has ministered to some of our most troubled youth. Rabbi Paskow was ordained in 1959. The next year, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a Jewish Chaplain in France and Germany. Immediately, he proved his dedication and was honored by the Commanding General of the Fourth Logistical Command and the National Jewish Welfare Board for his outstanding work. In 1985, Rabbi Paskow was promoted to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. In 1993, he was decorated with the Meritorious Service Award. Prior to coming to Temple Etz Chaim, Rabbi Paskow served as an Associate Rabbi of the Valley Jewish Community Center and Temple (Adat Ari EI), one of the largest Conservative congregations on the West Coast. Under his leadership, Temple Etz Chaim has grown from a membership of less than 100 families to more than 700 families today. He has been instrumental in designating sections of local cemeteries for consecrated Jewish burials. Jewish Family Service established an office in Thousand Oaks' Community Conscience Services Center through his personal efforts. While leading the Temple Etz Chaim congregation, Rabbi Paskow also has found time to lecture to numerous college groups and serve on the faculties of several institutes of Jewish learning. He is a member of many religious organizations, in addition to his service on secular community committees. He has authored many popular and scholarly articles that have appeared in journals and newspapers throughout the country. Rabbi Paskow appears frequently on radio and television and is listed in various Who's Who directories. Rabbi Paskow has earned many awards for his service. Among them: In 1993, he was presented with the Torch of Learning Award by the American Friends of the Hebrew University in recognition of his commitment to youth, education, Israel, and the Jewish people. With his wife, Carol, he established a scholarship fund at the Hebrew University for students needing financial assistance. The government of Israel has honored him for promoting tours to Israel. Rabbi and Carol Paskow have one daughter, Michelle, who was ordained a Rabbi in 1991. The couple are the proud grandparents of Aaron Daniel and Jonathan Jay Cohen. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in thanking Rabbi Paskow for his many decades of service to his religion and his community, congratulate him on his retirement, and wish him and his family many more years of fulfillment.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Leonard and Lupe Ortiz, whose devotion to the people and culture of Ventura County, CA, in my district, will be recognized this weekend at the Interface Children Family Services' Tribute Dinner. Leonard and Lupe Ortiz have lived in Ventura County their entire lives and are close personal friends. They raised four children here, three of which continue to live in Ventura County. In 1952, the Ortiz family launched Ortiz Trucking, which flourished. While building and running a successful business and raising and nurturing a fine family, Leonard and Lupe Ortiz also made time to dedicate themselves to their community. Leonard Ortiz has served on the boards of Interface, the United Way, Easter Seals, and Community Memorial Hospital. He has been a member of the Sheriff's Posse, which is involved in search and rescue operations. He is now a member of the newly formed La Voz--Voice of Santa Paula. Its goal is to preserve the history of Santa Paula and promote its development. Lupe Ortiz has served on the Fine Arts Committee of the Ventura County Museum of History and Art. She has also assisted the fundraising efforts of several charitable organizations, including Interface and Easter Seals. Their tireless commitment to enrich the lives of their family and their neighbors deserves our deep appreciation. Mr. Speaker, I have been a strong supporter of Interface Children Family Services for more than twenty years. The work of the organization and its volunteers has bettered the lives of countless families in my community. I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating Leonard and Lupe Ortiz for the honor they so richly deserve and thank them for decades of helping others.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Larry and Barbara Meister, whose many years of volunteer service to the people of Ventura County, CA, in my district, will be recognized this weekend at the Interface Children Family Services' Tribute Dinner. Larry and Barbara Meister have dedicated their lives to the values of education, charity, and compassion and have served as role models by leading and supporting many charitable causes. Some of the organizations that have benefited from their dedication are Interface, Ventura Education Partnership, Jewish Family Service, Casa Pacifica, Rubicon Theatre Company, New West Symphony, Ventura Boys & Girls Club, Foster Library, and several local hospitals. Through their commitment to their Jewish Heritage, Larry and Barbara Meister have received Temple Beth Torah's highest honor. The Meister Scholarship Fund--Youth Trip to Israel has sent 18 students to Israel in the past 13 years. The social hall at Temple Beth Torah, the boardroom at Casa Pacifica, and the lobby at the Rubicon Theatre Company have been named in honor of Barbara and Larry Meister. Barbara Meister has served on the board of Casa Pacifica and is a cofounder of its Angels program. She also has served on the boards of Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation and United Jewish Appeal Women's Division. She was chair of the Rubicon Theatre Company's Education Outreach Program. She is a member of Hadassah, National Council of Jewish Women, the National Women's Political Caucus, and the Ventura County Community Foundation's Women's Legacy Fund Grants Advisory Committee. The latter organization recently established the Barbara Meister Fund for Women. Larry Meister is a successful business leader as President and CEO of Barber Ford/Volkswagen/Isuzu and Barber Recreation Vehicles. He has received the Ford Distinguished Achievement Award for 32 years and the North American Customer Satisfaction Award for the past 5 years. He was recently awarded the prestigious President's Award from Ford Motor Co. for the second time. He has also supported a host of charitable organizations' events. Mr. Speaker, I have been a strong supporter of Interface Children Family Services for more than 20 years. The work of the organization and its volunteers has bettered the lives of countless families in my community. I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating Larry and Barbara Meister for the honor they so richly deserve and thank them for decades of dedication to others.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Alice McGrath, whose six decades of devotion to disadvantaged and oppressed people here and abroad will be recognized this weekend at the Interface Children Family Services' Tribute Dinner, in my district. Alice McGrath's life and efforts on behalf of others have been memorialized in a play, documentary film, and two books. She began her life of humanitarianism in the early 1940s as Executive Secretary of the Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee. The committee was formed to protect the rights of a group of young Mexican-Americans who were falsely convicted of murder. Her efforts on their behalf were depicted in the well-known play Zoot Suit, and the documentary about her, From Sleepy Lagoon to Zoot Suit. Since 1984, Alice McGrath has organized and led delegations of United States citizens to observe conditions in Nicaragua and to facilitate academic research in its political processes. In 1990, she began to deliver donated pharmaceuticals to the children's hospital in Managua. Alice McGrath has made more than 80 trips to Nicaragua. At home, Alice McGrath developed and managed the Pro Bono Program of the Ventura County Bar Association and coordinated volunteer services at the Ventura County Superior Court. Not surprisingly, Alice McGrath has received numerous honors for her work on behalf of others, including the Woman of Distinction Award from Soroptimist International of the Americas, Human Rights Award from the Bahai Community of Ventura County, Cruz Reynoso Award of the American Bar Association of Los Angeles County, and Community Hero Award from the Ventura County Diversity Board. Studs Terkel devoted a chapter to her in his book Coming of Age, and Debra Sands Miller did the same in her book Independent Women. Her oral history has been recorded for posterity by the UCLA Research Library. Mr. Speaker, I have been a strong supporter of Interface Children Family Services for more than twenty years. The work of the organization and its volunteers has bettered the lives of countless families in my community. I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating Alice McGrath for the honor she so richly deserves and thank her for decades of helping others.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to Dennis Gillette, who is retiring next month as Executive Assistant to the President for Special Projects at California Lutheran University in Thousands Oaks, CA. It is his second retirement from his second successful career. In his spare time he has managed to hold elective office--he is currently Mayor of the City of Thousand Oaks--and support so many non-profit organizations that it would be impossible to list them all. He also holds a California Teaching Credential and has taught at numerous academies, universities and colleges. Dennis began his CLU career in 1988, coming on board as Vice President for University Development. He also served as Vice President for Administrative Services/Treasurer prior to his current position. In this post, he is responsible for overseeing several major construction and design projects. His first career was with the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, where he rose to the rank of Assistant Sheriff. During his 25 years of the Department, he also served on the original Thousand Oaks Police Department and was Chief of Police for the cities of Camarillo and Thousand Oaks. Not surprisingly, Dennis Gillette has been awarded numerous honors over the years, including being named ``Man of the Year`` by the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce in 1987, and the Conejo Valley Historical Society's ``Don Triunfo'' in 1992. He has received commendations from Optimist International and the Optimist clubs in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo. The cities of Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Moorpark, and Ventura have honored his commitment to community. Dennis' wife, Terry, is an English teacher for the Conejo Valley Unified School District. They have two daughters, Kristine and Lisa. In 1983, the Gillettes were named the Conejo Valley Family of the Year. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in wishing Dennis and his family the best on the occasion and his second retirement, and Godspeed for whatever new endeavors he may decide to undertake.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the parents, students, faculty, and staff whose dedication to excellence has earned Valley View Middle School, in my hometown of Simi Valley, California, recognition as a national Blue Ribbon School. Valley View Middle School is a shining example of what can happen when parents, teachers, and administrators collaborate on the best approaches for providing a quality education. Each year the school formulates a new motto. This school year it was ``Learn from the Past . . . Look to the Future.'' That motto says a lot about how the school has progressed over the past several years. The Northridge earthquake hit in 1994. Valley View is six miles from the epicenter. A month later, a student was stabbed to death at the school. From that physical and emotional devastation grew a renewed commitment to make the school safe for the students. It also inspired the Valley View community--parents, students, educators, and staff--to evaluate their situation and develop a vision for the future. They did it through IDEALS: Independence, Diligence, Exploration, Academics, Leadership, and Social Skills. In their words, IDEALS gave the Valley View community ``a common focus that builds unity in our efforts to provide the best possible learning opportunities for our students.'' Valley View helps students understand the options available to them. It instills in them a sense that choices have consequences, and good choices lead to a good, productive life. Valley View strives for academic excellence in a safe, secure, and stimulating environment. Valley View's recognition as a Blue Ribbon School is but one small measure of their success. The more important measure is the students who leave the school with knowledge, confidence, and faith in their futures. Mr. Speaker, as our nation works in concert to better our education system, it would serve us well to study the successes of our Blue Ribbon Schools. They are the best of the best and a key to our future. Their creativity and response to their communities' needs prove what can be accomplished. I know my colleagues will join me in applauding Valley View Principal Jan Britz, her entire staff, and the parents and students of Valley View for striving for--and reaching--this level of excellence.