Scott McInnis

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize a woman who is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to promote the well-being and high self-esteem of young women across the nation. Marlene Manown, a Glenwood Springs, Colorado resident, will join other women who will ride from one coast to the other on their bicycles. Marlene is part of a group called Girls on the Move, organized by Outward Bound, that uses this trip to help girls all around the nation. During stops along the way, Marlene and the other women will host programs that target raising self-esteem and finding positive role models for women ages 9-18. Marlene is definitely qualified for this challenge. She has worked as a counselor at Glenwood Springs High School which means she knows all about what young women face on a day-to-day basis. She also has experience in cycling long distances on tours that, often times, last up to two weeks. This trip will last longer than two weeks, and Marlene will cycle at least 60 miles a day. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute of gratitude to Marlene Manown. She has given selflessly to help young women across the nation.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pause and remember the life of a man who meant a great deal to the Western Slope. Sadly, on February 27, 2000, Colorado said goodbye to Douglas Dunsdon. He was 81 years old. Douglas spent nearly his entire life in the Glenwood Springs area. When the United States entered World War II, Douglas joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Edin, England with the 8th Air Force, 100th Bomb Group. Douglas flew 25 missions. He earned a Distinguished Flying Cross, two Presidential Unit Citations, three Battle Stars, four Air Medals, a European Theater of Operations Medal and a group medal from the French and Polish governments. In addition, Douglas was a flight instructor for six months in Flight Control Communications in Bobbington, England. After the war, Douglas returned to Glenwood Springs. He influenced the community in many ways. He ran the bowling alley, now known as Dumont Building. He and his father and brother built the Alpine Apartments, now the Alpine Professional Building and he also worked at the Shoshone Power Plant until his retirement in 1976. Douglas was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, B.P.O.E. and was appointed National Aide-De-Camp in November of 1966 and was Commander of the VFW for three terms. Douglas was also a wonderful husband and a loving father. I had the privilege of knowing Douglas and grew up with his children. ``Mr. Dunsdon'' was a very kind man and I have many fond memories of him and his family. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute to a great man who will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. He was truly a great American who among other things, fought for the freedom that we enjoy today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pause in remembrance of Frank Milford Milligan who died on November 7, 1999. Mr. Milligan was born on October 24, 1925, in Beulah, Colorado, to Cecil Milligan and Elta Parker. Mr. Milligan attended grade school in Beulah and high school in Cortez. In January of 1944, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for two years. After his service in the Navy, he returned to Cortez to reside. Following his return from the military, Mr. Milligan went to work as a farm hand. He was a member of the Ute Mountain American Legion Post 375 and enjoyed socializing with his fellow members at the post. Mr. Milligan will always be remembered as a man that loved to spend time with his family and doing family activities. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to pay tribute to the life of Mr. Frank Milford Milligan, a great American and friend.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the 1999 Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, Alpine Bank. Alpine Bank opened its first facility in Mesa County in 1992. With a focus on giving back to the community, it did not take long for this bank to become recognized as a leading corporate citizen. Among the organizations that the bank has contributed time and money to are: the American Heart Association, March of Dimes, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Lion's Club, Rotary, Museum of Western Colorado, Club 20 Mesa County Land Trust Alliance, Mesa County Homebuilders, Young Life, Crime Stoppers, Ducks Unlimited, League of Women Voters, Western Colorado Arts Center, the Grand Junction Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Lung Association, Salvation Army, Mesa County Library, Western Slope Center for Children, Junior Service League, Western Colorado Botanical Society and the grand Junction Symphony. In addition to this long list of involvement, Alpine Bank has taken great interest in helping Grand Junction schools. Through the Classroom Credits program, Alpine Bank has donated over $45,000 to the Mesa County Business Education Foundation for the last two years. Along with Classroom Credits, Alpine Bank has found a way to reward students who received excellent grades with the ``Pay for As'' program. Most recently, the bank has pursued plans to build an ice skating rink. To encourage bank employees to help out in the community, the bank has started providing paid time off for those who wish to become involved in the community. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute to the Alpine Bank. A business that is worthy of thanks and praise for unparalleled commitment to the community.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell you of a great woman who gave selflessly of herself to her community. Louise Evans Farr passed away on January 14, 2000. Louise was a lifelong advocate for peace, human dignity and civil rights. She graduated from Vassar College and Yale Law School. In the 1940s she was executive director of the Unity Council, a coalition of groups concerned with ending racial and ethnic discrimination in Denver, Colorado. She was also active in the peace and nuclear nonproliferation movements. Most recently she worked as a volunteer for Physicians for Social Responsibility and for the Union of Concerned Scientists. Louise was the granddaughter of Frank S. Hoag Sr., former publisher of the Pueblo Star-Journal and Chieftain, and the cousin of, my good friend, Robert Rawlings, the present publisher of the paper. Her brother, Frank Evans, represented Pueblo and Southern Colorado in the United States Congress from 1964 to 1978. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I offer this tribute in memory of Louise Evans Farr. She was a humanitarian who will be missed by all those who knew her.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to remember and honor a man that was dedicated to helping people. William Charles ``Bill'' Pumphery passed away on February 1, 2000. He was 77 years old. During World War II, Bill was a pilot in the Army Air Corps. He took part in Operation Varsity, the Allied assault across the Rhine River that marked the demise of Nazi Germany. Bill was one of the glider pilots who transported troops and equipment across the river. Bill was an active supporter of the YMCA in Pueblo, Colorado. He was a member of the club and served on the board of directors for many years. Bill's dedication to the organization could be seen from the many fundraisers he participated in to build cabins for camps. Camp Jackson, formerly known as Camp Crockett, was built primarily from funds raised by the Pueblo YMCA men's club. When it came to needing a new building for the Pueblo location, Bill was instrumental in raising funds for the structure. Bill was also proud of Pueblo and he showed his pride by volunteering at the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce. He spent much time at the visitor's center, making sure that new comers received any information they needed about the area. Such an advocate of the Pueblo community will be missed greatly. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute in Bill Pumphery's memory. He was a great man that was dedicated to making his community a better place to live.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell you about a small church that has celebrated 100 years of service to the community of Craig, Colorado. The entire town of Craig was invited to help celebrate the 100th birthday of the First Congregational Church on January 2, 2000. It was a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future as Reverend Edwin Mendanhall delivered an inspirational message to the congregation. The church was founded by a group of 16 people in 1900. Within just a few months, the church had found a pastor and was chartered with 29 parishioners. Generous gifts from members of the church contributed to the purchase of a new bell in 1904 and it is still used today. A new facility was built and put to use in 1959. The First Congregational Church is affiliated with the Rocky Mountain United Church of Christ Conference. As part of the centennial celebration the church will host the conference's annual meeting in June of 2000. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute in honor of the centennial celebration of the First Congregational Church and in recognition of its members.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding commitment and years of service given to Carbondale, Colorado by Dr. Rick Herrington. Dr. Herrington arrived in Carbondale in 1975, just out of residency and recruited by a leader of concerned citizens, Betty DeBeque. He was so excited to be in this small Colorado town that he donned cross country skis and took a night tour of the town. The town reciprocated the feeling of joy and embraced its new doctor. True to any small town, when the clinic opened under Dr. Herrington, more townspeople came in to ``check the doctor out'' than because of illness. Dr. Herrington's staff included himself and a handful of volunteers to keep the clinic running. After two years of running the clinic as the only doctor, his wife, Sherry, told him that he had to find a partner or a new wife. In 1978 Dr. Gary Knaus became Dr. Herrington's partner. Today, the clinic is still serving the community with as much dedication as it did when it opened in 1975. The community of Carbondale will forever be grateful to a young man from Nebraska who came to help out a small town. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute in honor of Dr. Rick Herrington, celebrating 25 years of service.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate and honor a young Colorado student from my district who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in her community. Amy Finch from Vail has just been named one of my state's top honorees in The 2000 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Amy, a senior at Battle Mountain High School, is an avid community volunteer who has helped raise money for victims of violence, knitted clothes and blankets for refugees, served as a buddy to elementary school children, served soup to the homeless, and volunteered with Special Olympics. The program that brought this young role model to our attention--The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards--was created by The Prudential Insurance Company of America in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to impress upon all youth volunteers that their contributions are critically important and highly valued and to inspire other young people to follow their example. In only five years, the program has become the nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, with nearly 75,000 youngsters participating since its inception. Amy should be extremely proud to have been singled out from such a large group of dedicated volunteers. I heartily applaud Amy for her initiative in seeking to make her community a better place to live, and for the positive impact she has had on the lives of others. She has demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment that is truly extraordinary in today's world, and deserves our sincere admiration and respect. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I offer this tribute in honor of Amy Finch. Her actions show that young Americans can--and do-- play important roles in our communities, and that America's community spirit continues to hold tremendous promise for the future.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, as you know, last week was a very important week for the United States Congress and for the American people. We had some good news, and we had some bad news. I am talking about legislation. The good news we had last week is that the Republican-led bill, despite all of the debate against the bill by the Democrats, the Republican-led bill to do away with the marriage tax penalty in this country passed this House; and I am proud to say 40 or 45 Democrats had enough guts to stand up and vote for it, because they knew it was the right thing to do. How in this country, where we try and encourage families, where we try and push the divorce rate down, where we try to have people have their children in a marriage, how can a country as great as the United States of America penalize couples for being married? That is exactly what happened. Well, that is water under the bridge. It happened. But now it is incumbent upon us, its United States Congress, to do something about it, to eliminate it. I could not believe that the Democrats opposed that tax cut. It is unfair. They said we could not afford it. Well, number one, we cannot afford to do away with it. But whether you can afford it or not, is it right? Is it a tax that was intended to do that? No, it is not a right tax. That argument on its face did not hold water. That was the good news. Now, the bad news. We got the Clinton budget last week, the President's budget, the Democrat budget. You know what it had in there? Of course, the Democrats have been making a big issue lately about saying we cannot afford to cut taxes, do not cut taxes, despite the fact we have record surpluses in this country, despite the fact that if we do not cut taxes, that means that money continues to come out of the workers of this country's pockets and comes to a bureaucracy in Washington, D.C., is filtered down, everybody gets their hands on it, and then some of it eventually goes back to the States. That did not matter much. What they did with their budget last week is they proposed a tax increase, a tax increase in the death tax. Now, you know that the marriage penalty tax is unfair, and in this country, after you pay taxes all your life, at the end of it, if you fall in certain income categories, they tax you again, a death tax on property that has already been taxed. It is, without exception, the most unfair, unfounded tax in our system, the death tax. We have on the Republican side proposed and proposed and negotiated and negotiated to do away with that death tax. It is not fair; it should not be there. It is a tax on property that has already been taxed. But the Democrats, who some of them, by the way, I think agree with our position, but the leadership certainly and the President's budget said, Hey, let's not only not get rid of the death tax, let's do not do that, let's actually increase the death tax. There is over a $9 billion increase, hidden in that presidential budget. You have got to look very carefully. Fortunately, we have excellent staff on the Committee on Ways and Means. I am on the Committee on Ways and Means. We look at that budget line by line, item by item. We were surprised. What are they attempting to do, the Democrats, with this budget? Why do they want to raise the death tax? I urge my colleagues on the Democratic side, join us on the Republican side, join us in eliminating the death tax in this country. It is not fair. You are hurting a lot of small family farms and ranches throughout this country. You are hurting a lot of small businesses. You are taking away the incentive for people, or one of the incentives, for people to work hard. You have already got your taxes, Democrats, throughout their working life. Why, Democrats, do you want to tax them upon their death? For gosh sakes, do not try and raise the taxes this year. At least maintain the status quo, as wrong as it is. At least you ought to try and maintain the status quo, if you are not going to help the Republicans eliminate it. But do not go out and raise the death tax on the American people by $9 billion. That is the good news and the bad news. The good news is we passed out of this House, and we had some Democrats join us on our Republican bill, to do away with the marriage tax penalty. The bad news is that the Democratic budget, the administration budget, proposes to increase taxes on the death tax. So any of you who have ever had any discussion about the estate taxes, you had better call your accountant tomorrow, because there is a $9 billion increase in the President's budget coming right through that tunnel.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to remember the life of a woman who will be missed greatly. Rose Marie Corcoran passed away on January 27, 2000. She was 97 years old. Rose Marie was born on November 17, 1902, in Salida, Colorado. She married William Corcoran in 1964 in Grand Junction, Colorado. Rose Marie was a licensed nurse in Grand Junction as well as a homemaker. Rose Marie filled her days volunteering for many organizations. Some of these organizations included: First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, the Moose Lodge, Ladies Auxiliary of the Elks, VFW Auxiliary, Royal Neighbors, Engineer Ladies, and the Veteran's Hospital. She received Volunteer of the Year from Denver's Channel Nine at age 93. Among other phenomenal things, Rose Marie also liked to travel in Italy and other European countries. At the age of 93, she traveled to Israel and was baptized in the River Jordan. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I offer this tribute in honor of Rose Marie Corcoran. She was an icon in her community and a woman with a heart of gold.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pause and remember a man that has dedicated his life to being a service to others. William Medesy passed away on February 1, 2000. He was 90 years old. William was born in Cleveland in 1909. He graduated from Purdue University and went on to receive a master's degree from Yale University in 1938. William used his master's degree in forestry to work for the United States Forest Service and teach forestry at the University of New Hampshire until 1941. During World War II, as an officer in the United States Army Reserves, William served as a field artillery battery commander in the North African and Sicily campaigns. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. After moving in Colorado in 1960, William became the first president of Rangely College, presently called Colorado Northwestern Community College. He also served as president of Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado from 1963 until his retirement in 1971. The building, Medesy Hall, which houses the multimedia computer lab on the campus of Mesa State College is named after this icon in education. After his career in college administration, William and his wife of 66 years, Geraldine, moved to Aurora where he continued to volunteer with several organizations. He was a tutor and also read books on tape for the blind. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute to a man who contributed so much to his community. William was a great man who gave immeasurably to higher education in Colorado.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pause and remember a man that will be greatly missed. Jim Patti touched many people's lives and was a friend to all. He passed away at the age of 49 on January 26, 2000. Jim's record of friendship began as early as anyone can remember him. When he was in grade school, his best friend went to a different school. They were both very happy when they ended up in the same high school. Jim was very active on the decorating committee for all of the dances sponsored by the high school. Jim enjoyed drawing and he would design all the decorations. Working at the family restaurant, Patti's Restaurant, was always a part of Jim's life. He started working at the family-owned business by the time he was seven years old. He was a busboy and a story-teller. He loved people and he would always remember the stories to tell about them. He also met his wife, Judy, at the restaurant. Eventually Jim and Judy took over ownership of the restaurant and remodeled it several times. They also owned J. Patti Construction. Jim also loved sports, especially Colorado sports. From the University of Colorado Buffalos to the Denver Broncos, Jim was always ready to get together to watch the game. Having a good time was one of Jim's fortes. He enjoyed having his family and friends. Even though the family was large, there was always enough love to go around. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I offer this tribute to Jim Patti, the ``trunk of the family tree''. He was a great friend to all and loved life to the fullest.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the 1999 Penrose Citizen of the Year, Mr. Gary Schenck. Gary received this honor from the Penrose Chamber of Commerce because of the manage things he has done to improve his community. He always presents a very positive picture of Penrose. He volunteered hundreds of hours at the Chamber of Commerce since 1996. He is also very active with the Penrose Community Library and the Fremont Contractors Association. In addition, he has assisted in fund raising for the Penrose Volunteer Fire Department. Gary has recently held free classes for senior citizens who want to learn about the Internet. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I offer this tribute of thanks and congratulations to Mr. Gary Schenck. The community of Penrose is better because of him.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to remember the life of a man that will be missed by many people. Paul Edward Shuey passed away on January 17, 2000. Paul grew up in Pennsylvania, from grade school to college. He worked for West Penn Power Company until he met Ernestine Gigax of Grand Junction, Colorado. Paul and Ernestine had two children together. Tragically, Ernestine passed away during labor with their third child. Paul enlisted into the United States Navy in 1942. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and Philippine Liberation as an Electrican's Mate 2nd class. He was honorably discharged in 1945. While he lived in Colorado, he was employed by Sweet Candy Company. The sweet must have worked as he married Lucy Chiaro in Grand Junction in 1953. In 1959, Paul moved his family again to Salt Lake City, Utah, to be a sales manager for the Sweet Company. He retired in 1982 and lived in San Diego, California until his death. Paul was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1062 in Grand Junction. He was very dedicated to his faith and loved singing in the choir. Paul liked to play tennis, take care of his garden and smoke his pipe. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I offer this tribute in honor of Paul Shuey. He was a great man who loved life to the fullest.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize a man who has dedicated over 16 years of his life to the City of Grand Junction, Colorado. Mark Achen has given immeasurably and made great personal sacrifices to ensure Grand Junction's health and well-being. Since 1984, Mark has been the City Manager of Grand Junction and has seen the city grow and prosper. Working with seven different city council members who each had a different agenda and policy perspective was no small chore. Mark's calm demeanor stood out amid contentious debate over Grand Junction's numerous issues, including still, annexation policy in the late 1980's and into the 1990's. He was a reservoir of institutional knowledge during negotiations to end a long- running dispute between the city and Mesa County over the Persigo Wash Wastewater Treatment Plant. Achen brought the city from economic devastation to incredible increases in sales tax revenues. Leaving the position of City Manager will enable Mark to spend more time reading, hiking, climbing, fishing and boating. Above all, Mark will get to spend more time with his family and friends. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute and say thank you to, my friend, Mark Achen. He is a man that has given selflessly for many years to make Grand Junction the wonderful city it is today.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pause and remember the life of a World War II veteran. Claud Walker Garner Jr. passed away on January 17, 2000. Claud was born on April 30, 1920 in Goodnight, Texas. He joined the Army in 1937. As a Tech Sergeant with the Third Engineer Battalion, he served in Normandy, France, Rhineland and Ardennes Campaign. For his bravery and outstanding dedication, Claud was decorated with the Croix de Guerre, the silver star for service above and beyond the call of duty, four bronze service stars and the good conduct medal. Claud was honorably discharged on June 11, 1945. Claud and his wife, Bernice, lived in Colorado for many years where Claud worked in the construction industry. He was the construction superintendent on the Cody, Wyoming Buffalo Bill Museum project. Friends always were in abundance in Claud's life. he was a man of his word, highly principled and completely honest. When a friend needed someone to lean on, Claud was always there. Claud loved his wife and children and was a great husband and father. He will be missed by all who knew him. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute in honor of Claud Walker Garner Jr. He was a great American who fought on behalf of America's freedom.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pause and remember a man that will be missed by all those who knew him. Ralph ``Speed'' Sheley passed away on January 12, 2000. He was 80 years old. Ralph was born on September 27, 1919 in Dove Creek, Colorado. Ralph spent his childhood in Kansas and Nebraska. When the United States entered World War II, Ralph was drafted in the Army where he served in the Signal Corps. Ralph was one of the first Americans in Hiroshima after the bombing. Our country is certainly indebted to him for his service and commitment to our country. After the war, Ralph returned to Kansas, but moved shortly thereafter to Colorado. He met and married Billie Bradford in 1947 and in 1997, they celebrated 50 years of marriage. Ralph loved working in the orchards, farming, gardening, and spoiling his grandchildren and spending time with his family. Ralph always had a smile and a kind word of encouragement for everyone. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute in honor of Ralph ``Speed'' Sheley. He was a man who fought for his country and loved his family.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the Glenwood Springs, Colorado Citizen of the Year. Mr. Bob Young is an inspiration to many and a man who contributes much to his community. Bob, founder of Alpine Banks, has adopted policies of doing right by his employees and giving back to the community. This, he says, is the bottom line. Bob's policies have won many awards for himself and for his banks, including Business of the Year in Grand Junction, Colorado. Bob has always been ready and willing to give whatever it took to contribute to his community. His charity has had a ripple effect throughout the Western Slope. Bob has been dedicated to setting up training programs that ultimately employ area young people. When the economy was struggling, Bob did whatever he could to make sure that the citizens could remain valuable members of the community. If it had not been for Bob, many of these people would have been forced to move from the Western Slope. Bob has definitely been a great advocate for the community and is well- deserving of this award. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute to one of the leading businessmen in Colorado and a close personal friend, Bob Young. He is a great citizen who is dedicated to making our community a better place to live.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding me the time. You know, I get it. I was at the airport not long ago and I met a young mother, her name was Carrie. She has four children, the oldest of which is six. She asked me about the marriage penalty. I think we all agree, it is unfair. The previous speaker from the Democratic side just said it was unfair. I told her it is unfair. She said, ``Do you think it will pass?'' I said, ``Sure, it is going to pass. It makes so much sense, the Democrats are going to join with us.'' But, old stupid me. Stupid me. I forgot you guys who are worried about election year politics. Forget the merits of getting rid of an unfair tax like the marriage tax penalty. Forget that. It is all about election year politics, and you know it is about election year politics. There are 30 or 40 of you over there on the Democratic side that have enough guts to stand up and vote for this bill based on its merit, vote on it based on the fact that it is unfair. But the rest of you like to use red herring, Social Security, in fact. Why do you not just get up here and tell it like it is? It is election year politics. We would not dare want the Republicans to get credit for being fair to the American people. We have got to continue our bash against them. Stand up and vote on the merits, not on election year politics.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to congratulate the San Luis Valley Peace Officer of 1999. Officer George Dingfelder, based in Alamosa, Colorado, has won this disguished award due to his high standard of professionalism and outstanding commitment to his field. George has made it a personal pledge to fight drunk driving and drug use in the San Luis Valley. George has made several contacts with drunk drivers and drug traffickers. He has recorded more than 500 drunk driving arrests and confiscated several hundred pounds of marijuana in his five year career. George was honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 1998 for his efforts stopping drivers from being on the road while intoxicated. George is also a local hero. He and his wife, Stephanie, saved a young boy when his life was threaten by a leopard at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The leopard attacked the boy through a fence, but George and Stephanie were successful at fending off the rather large cat. As a result of their bravery, George and Stephanie were awarded Colorado's Life Saving Award by Colorado Governor Bill Owens. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute to Officer George Dingfelder for his outstanding bravery and commitment to uphold the law. He has truly made a difference in the San Luis Valley.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pause and recognize the life of a true American Hero. Robert Miller, who was a World War II veteran, passed away on January 12, 2000. He was 75 years old. Bob served in the United States Armed Forces during one of the most infamous days in history. On June 6, 1944, Bob made it up only 15 feet on Omaha Beach before a sniper's bullet severed his spine. He was only 20 years old, and he would never walk again. Bob received the Purple Heart and his unit, B Company of the 149th Combat Engineers, was awarded a presidential unit citation and the French Croix De Guerre. After returning to the United States to recover from his injuries, Bob met his future bride, Pat Korber. They were married in 1950. Bob attended the Kansas City Art Institute and earned a degree in commercial design. He worked for Goldblatt Tool Company until his retirement in 1978. Bob and Pat moved to Pueblo, Colorado in 1980. A very patriotic man, Bob never missed an opportunity to fly the flag or to visit with old military friends. In 1999, Bob drove to Des Moines, Iowa for a reunion. He knew no limits when it came to serving his country or staying in contact with those who had served with him. Bob was also in charge of a project to make a memorial to their military unit more conspicuous. The Air Force even flew a piece of granite for them to France. Bob also liked to play wheelchair basketball. In 1973, he was one of the first people inducted into the National Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame. He served as the National Wheelchair Basketball Association's first president. Bob was very involved in his community and his parish, Our Lady of the Meadows. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer tribute to Bob Miller. He was a man that will be missed by his community and everyone who knew him. He was a great American who deserves our highest praise and regard.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the 1999 Contractor of the Year. Mr. Gregg Rippy was nominated for the award by the Colorado Contractors Association. The Colorado Contractors Association emphasizes skill, integrity and responsibility as key traits of its members. These qualities are also what the association requires for the Contractor of the Year award. Another quality that Gregg displays amply is leadership. Gregg has been a Colorado Contractors Association member for 17 years and has won numerous awards from both the state and national levels. During his recent presidency of Grand River Construction Company in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, the company was named chapter of the year on the national level by the Associated General Contractors of America and Gregg was named national chapter president of the year. He is now a national director with Associated General Contractors of America and has served as chairman of the Colorado Contractors Association legislative committee for four years. Gregg is also a co- owner of Rocky Mountain Redi-Mix. A Colorado native, Gregg has followed a family tradition by becoming a contractor. His father, grandfather and uncle were all in the construction business. He first joined Grand River Construction after graduating from Colorado State University and eventually became president of the company. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute to my dear friend, Gregg Rippy, 1999 Contractor of the Year. His commitment to his country, his community and his profession is deeply admirable and highly commendable.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the winner of the 2000 Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts, Dave Davis. Dave was nominated by the Grand Junction Commission of Arts and Culture for his activism as founder of Art on the Corner, a former executive director of the Art Center, a past appointee of former Colorado Governor, Roy Romer, to the Colorado Council on the Arts, and one of the leading artists in the Grand Valley since the late 1970's. Dave was Executive Director of the Western Colorado Center for the Arts for nine years. During his tenure he created a multitude of innovative programs, quality exhibits, outreach efforts to underserved areas, and expansion of facilities, collections and classes. Dave's belief that the Grand Valley could become a renowned arts community is the foundation of everything he does. Dave opened an exhibit, Art on the Corner, in downtown Grand Junction in 1984. This unique outdoor sculpture exhibit began as a display of 33 sculptures by Dave and other area artists along Main Street. Every year the exhibit is rotated and has grown to include over 100 works of art. Dave is a native of Boulder, Colorado who moved with his family to Grand Junction in 1972. He attended Mesa State College. Dave's full- time pursuit of the arts began in 1977. He creates abstract and realistic sculpture. He is adamant in his desire to promote the arts both as a major economic force and as an industry. He is adamant in his desire to promote the arts both as a major economic force and as an industry. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute to Dave Davis with congratulations on being named the recipient of the 2000 Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts.

Mr. McINNIS

Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to remember the life of a man that meant a great deal to the State of Colorado. John McGuinness recently passed away in Broomfield, Colorado. He was 67 years old. John was born on June 10, 1932 in Queens, New York. He received a bachelor's degree in marketing from Fordham University. He attended graduate school at Columbia University and also worked in live television in the 1950's. John decided to move to Colorado in 1958. He worked in advertising sales for KWGN-TV, he was involved in early FM stations in Denver and did political consulting for many campaigns. He later founded McGuinness and Associates and returned to consulting for radio and cable television. In the late 1980's, he became the court assigned operator of KDEN, a Denver radio station. John's marketing degree was helpful when he was appointed to the Colorado State Fair Commission in 1983 by former Colorado Governor Roy Romer. After the General Manager resigned, John took over as the acting director and served with great distinction in that capacity until his resignation in December of 1999. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer tribute in memory of John McGuinness. He was a great man that will be missed by all those who knew him.