Ed Pastor

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. This amendment was taken up by the Rules Committee, and I don't have the authority to change or to modify it. So, rather than get into the debate, I thought it was in proper form to object.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Chairman, I will inform our colleagues that the committee is opposed to the amendment.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Chairman, I object.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I will just inform Mr. Rothman that we are against the amendment and support the gentleman's earmark.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Chairman, I object.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Chairman, I object.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Before I get into the substance of Fort Mason Center, what I would like to announce is there was concern expressed regarding the manager's amendment, especially as it related to the vehicle purchase as outlined in that manager's amendment. I am committing to work with all Members to address that their concerns will be addressed in conference. The gentleman from Arizona is right: we have a congressionally directed mark in this bill that will assist the Fort Mason Center to continue its best practices in its development. He is correct: since this base was basically closed down, this area has been developing to assist the people of San Francisco and the surrounding areas as a center for culture, education and recreation. It is located on the northwest side of San Francisco and includes a number of buildings and piers, and it leases space to 24 nonprofit organizations. The gentleman from Arizona is correct: this is an earmark that continues the development of the center. The attempt of this earmark is to specifically incorporate sustainable design and construction strategies consistent with LEED silver certification in the likelihood it will be better than that certification. The continued development of the center will now include more and extensive use of solar and wind energy and will serve as a model for sustainable practices within a historically sensitive context. And so with that, I would request a ``no'' to the amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. This earmark, its sponsor is the Congresswoman from San Francisco.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Well, I would tell my dear friend from Arizona, and he is a dear friend, that this year we, our colleagues, at least those from Arizona, that requested congressional direct earmarks in this bill are part of that 24 percent and are very happy to belong to it. So, we will continue to work with Mr. Flake and other Members of Congress. I yield back my time.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Chairman, for the fifth time I will object.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I rise just to inform the gentlelady that the committee is opposed to the amendment and supports her congressional- directed earmark.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I rise in opposition to the amendment and claim the time in opposition.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Actually, this pier is somewhere. It's in San Francisco. Pier 36. I bring to the gentleman that this removal--in the 2007 WRDA bill, the funds were authorized so that the Corps would begin removing the deteriorated Pier 36, which is located in the San Francisco waterfront. This pier was built in 1908-1909, and it was built of reinforced concrete for the use as a freight ferry facility. The pier was originally 721 feet long and 201 feet wide. The outer wood portions of the pier, after 70 years of being in the elements, have deteriorated. Recently, further deterioration has caused the pier to be closed and it has been secured with fencing to prevent entry. The deteriorating sections of decking and wooden support pieces continue to rot, break, and float into the bay, which represents a potential hazard to navigation in the adjacent Federal Channel. In addition, Pier 36 was constructed using creosote-soaked pilings, which contain a class of chemical compounds known to affect the viability of fish spawning. Use of creosote-treated wood is now prohibited in new construction in the San Francisco Bay. So, the removal of Pier 36, which was authorized in the WRDA bill 2007, is needed to ensure that the continued deterioration, the piles that would fall into the water, would not cause a threat to navigation and the chemicals that they were treated with would be eliminated as an environmental hazard. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Chairman, the committee finds merit in this authorized Pier 36 removal and we ask our colleagues to object to and refuse the amendment as offered. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I object. At the urging of your colleagues, they asked me to object, so I will object.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. First of all, I want to state for the record that I have never met personally with the company listed as the recipient for this earmark. It has spurred my interest, the technology and the use of technology, that I brought this request to the subcommittee. And while this is a for-profit company which is listed as a recipient, under the new rules instituted in this Congress this year, this company or any company will have to compete for the contract, and I know of at least three U.S. companies with products suitable for such competition and a great number of foreign companies that could compete. This request has been vetted by the Department of Homeland Security and the Border Patrol. The Border Patrol's special response teams and technical teams have stated requirements for this technology which allows them to recharge their power-intensive equipment while deployed in the field on extended missions. These teams man-pack over 100 pounds of equipment into the field on their missions, so every pound saved is significant. This technology, which is basically photovoltaic film, lightweight, portable, allows them to leave behind at the camp previously used car battery-type systems in favor of this lightweight, portable, photovoltaic film. And this allows the person using it to be able to extend the mission for a longer period of time and to be able to recharge their battery so that they can use their communication system, can use sensors, and will allow the Border Patrol to be more effective in its law enforcement efforts. This type of technology is currently used by the military, especially the Marine Corps. So the intent for this earmark is not to reward a company because they met with me or because they contributed, which they did not, but to bring forth to the attention of the Border Patrol that this equipment is available for competition for the companies that qualify according to their purchase order so that we can make the Border Patrol, as they extend into the desert, to be more effective and be able to continue the law enforcement. That is the only reason for this earmark, and I oppose the amendment.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Would the gentleman yield?

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I would have no objection if you removed the name.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I would like to take a few minutes to praise and reflect upon the career of an outstanding CEO and an even better friend, Bill Post. I first met Bill in the early 1970s when he was financial officer for the Arizona Public Service, also referred to as APS, and I was a Maricopa County Supervisor. He impressed me as a smart, young executive. Bill Post is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arizona Public Service--my home state's largest electric company. Bill recently announced his retirement from APS and its parent company, Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, after 37 distinguished years with the companies. Starting his career as a Draftsman after finishing college at Arizona State University, Bill quickly climbed the ranks at APS. He became an officer in 1982, then ascended to President and CEO of APS and President of Pinnacle West in 1997. He earned the title of Chairman of the Board for both companies in 2001. Of course what he accomplished and the relationships he built were always far more important to Bill than any title. He guided APS through a period of incredible growth for our state. In the last decade alone, APS added more than 300,000 customers, yet the company has been a model of efficiency. Despite its rapid growth, APS continued to meet Arizona's expanding energy needs while also improving customer satisfaction, setting new standards of electric reliability and keeping employee numbers essentially flat. Revered for his business acumen, Bill is also ubiquitous in the community--continually lending his guidance, energy and financial resources to non-profit organizations such as Greater Phoenix Leadership, Valley of the Sun United Way, the Arizona Business Coalition, and the Children's Action Alliance. His dedication to our community and state led me to often refer to Bill as the ``Big Dog in Town.'' Bill's own generosity has always set the tone for his company-- APS and its employees are known across Arizona as leaders in the communities they serve. Bill Post embodies the character and uniqueness of my home state. A lifelong Arizonan, Bill is as at home driving his Jeep through dusty desert trails as he is guiding strategy in a corporate boardroom. In his retirement from APS, I know he will probably be providing leadership to the people of Arizona.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 125th anniversary of the National Crittenton Foundation and the Crittenton Family of Agencies. I do so because this network of organizations deserves recognition for the profound role they have played in allowing girls and young women to realize their full potential. In particular, I would like to draw attention to the Florence Crittenton Services of Arizona in Phoenix. For more than a century, this organization has provided valuable services, education and community-based programs to help Arizona children and teens overcome the issues of abuse, neglect, teen pregnancy and mental health problems. Through its comprehensive network of services and support systems, this organization provides a refuge where vulnerable youth, ages 12 to 21, prosper from the assistance of a caring community and discover the possibility of a bright new future in spite of their challenging past experiences. As society has experienced dramatic changes in the last 100 years, the Phoenix home has changed too, but its goal of giving every girl it serves safety, hope, and opportunity has remained constant. I commend the Florence Crittenton board members, staff and volunteers for their compassion and dedication to excellence, ensuring that their services continue to grow to meet the needs of the girls it serves, and for becoming one of the state's leading experts in gender-specific services. It is with great pride that I congratulate the Florence Crittendon Services of Arizona and its nationwide community of Crittendon sister organizations on their successful efforts to empower at-risk girls to rise above the negative circumstances they have been exposed to and become productive and self-sufficient citizens who understand the value of always treating themselves and others with respect.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of America's finest, Clarence W. Dupnik, Sheriff of Pima County, Arizona, who, this year, celebrates 50 years of law enforcement service to his community in Tucson, Arizona. Sheriff Dupnik began his career in February, 1958, as a Patrol Officer with the City of Tucson Police Department. While there, he held various positions, rising to Major in charge of Field Operations when he retired in January, 1977. From there, he was appointed Chief Deputy Sheriff of the Pima County Sheriffs Department, and was appointed Pima County Sheriff on February 19, 1980. Since that time, Sheriff Dupnik has been elected to 7 consecutive terms of office as Pima County Sheriff, a position in which he remains today. Of his 50 years of law enforcement service, Clarence Dupnik has served 31 years as Sheriff of Pima County, the 2nd largest populated county in the States of Arizona, and the 7th largest county in the nation--a remarkable achievement! During his law enforcement career, Sheriff Dupnik has, among other things: Led the reduction of the per capital crime rate in Pima County to levels equal to the City of Scottsdale and one-half the crime rate within the City of Tucson. Created the Metropolitan Area Narcotics Trafficking Interdiction Squads (MANTIS). Founded the Command Group of the Arizona Alliance Planning Committee, a joint federal, state, and local law enforcement task force to interdict and prevent the smuggling of illegal narcotics into Arizona from Mexico. Collaborated with the FBI to participate in the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and was appointed to serve on the Executive Committee of the FBI. Pursued and secured funding from the Department of Homeland Security for a helicopter to identify and interdict terrorists. Introduced Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) in Pima County Schools. Founded the drug prevention group known as the Arizonans for a Drug- Free Workplace, and serves as its Chairman. Madam Speaker, the dedication and service of Clarence Dupnik to Pima County during his 50 year law enforcement career is truly commendable and worthy of note by this body. We thank Sheriff Dupnik for his long and illustrious career, and wish him further success in the years to come. We know that all of the years of public service have sacrificed time from this family and personal matters, so we take this moment to also thank and acknowledge his wife, Susie, and their families. The Tucson community, and the state of Arizona as a whole, is a better place because of you, my friend, Sheriff Dupnik.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize the success of a man from my home state of Arizona--Joseph P. Anderson--who is retiring after devoting his professional life to helping our state's less fortunate and most vulnerable people. Joe is a third-generation Arizonan raised in Prescott. His father, Novian Anderson, was an Army major and then an Arizona Department of Economic Security employee. His mother, Martha Anderson, was a school teacher. He credits these two hard working individuals with instilling in him a strong work ethic and sense of community. Those solid roots, which included a strong religious upbringing, gave him a base for everything he needed to know about life--work hard, live by the Golden Rule, be loyal to your friends, and never forget to give back to the community that nurtured you. After graduating from Arizona State University, Joe embarked on a 17- year career with the Arizona State Government. While working for the Arizona Department of Administration, Joe's superb organizational and analytical skills were recognized by Governor Bruce Babbitt, who had the wisdom to couple them with the talents of Dr. Donald F. Schaller in a bold move to address the state's failing Medicaid system. Together, they rebuilt Arizona's pioneering health plan for the poor and created a successful new prototype of managed care that cut costs while providing high quality health care. It proved to be so effective, it has been emulated in whole or in part by most other states. In 1986, Joe and ``Doc'' formed a partnership with P.J. Davis and started the consulting firm of Schaller Anderson. Working as a team, they established an acclaimed long-term care program and developed managed health plans for low income persons in seven states, while also working on Medicaid programs in two other states. Schaller Anderson became such a success that it was purchased by Aetna to serve as its Medicaid arm with Joe remaining as chairman of the Schaller Anderson Board. Staying loyal to his parents' values, Joe always made time for worthy causes. Never one to scrimp on donating time, energy and money, he also encouraged his employees to contribute to charitable causes as well. His efforts were instrumental to the good work done by such groups as the Central Arizona Shelter Services, the Cesar Chavez School, a City of Phoenix smoke alarm distribution program that aided low-income households, and the Monsignor Edward J. Ryle Fund. Not surprisingly, these tireless efforts resulted in his being awarded with a number of prestigious commendations citing his service and leadership. Clearly, Joe's indomitable belief in the importance of giving and participating has served both him and the State of Arizona very well. So, even in retirement, we expect Joe will continue to be guided by the strong sense of responsibility he gained from his parents and we look forward to his remaining active in making Arizona a better place to live for those in need.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Madam Speaker, reserving the right to object, would the leader yield for two questions?