May 16, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E 1049

high energy and substantial talents to his

work. Thousands and thousands, inside and

outside of the UAW, owe a debt of gratitude

to Jess’ dedication. He has worked with industry to make the system work more effectively.

On Thursday, May 18, a retirement dinner

will be held to honor Jess’ years of service.

There will be words of praise from leadership

and rank an file. Both will have witnessed the

good efforts of Jess Damesworth. As someone who has been privileged to work with

Jess over the last decade, I heartily join in the

accolades to him.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DRUGFREE SCHOOLS

fHON. JACK FIELDS OF TEXAS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, May 16, 1995

Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was

pleased to learn that four schools located in

my congressional district are recipients of this

year’s Drug Free Schools Award, presented

annually by the U.S. Department of Education.

The four schools—Ehrhardt Elementary

School, Strack Intermediate School, Dueitt

Middle School, and Tomball Intermediate

School—were among just 98 schools nationwide to be so recognized. Winning this award

attests to the hard work and concern of the

students, faculty and administrators of these

four schools, as well as to the hard work and

concern of the parents of the students attending those four schools.

In particular, I would like to congratulate

Heather Maedgen, principal of Ehrhardt Elementary School in Klein; Gary Jones, principal

of Strack Elementary School in Klein; Rosalind

Keck, principal of Dueitt Middle School in

Spring; and Dr. Lee Weeditz, principal of

Tomball Intermediate School. Their leadership

in eliminating drugs and alcohol from their

schools, and in creating a positive learning environment, has inspired educators and students alike to work together for the common

good.

America’s Goals 2000—a series of educational goals to which President Bush committed our nation—includes a commitment that

‘‘by the year 2000 every school in the United

States will be free of drugs, violence, and the

unauthorized presence of firearms and alcohol, and will offer a disciplined environment

conducive to learning.’’

Mr. Speaker, the four schools located in my

congressional district that have received the

Drug Free Schools Award are well on their

way to achieving that goal of a drug-free, alcohol-free and nonviolent environment in which

teachers can teach and students can learn.

Again, I congratulate everyone associated with

those schools—students, administrators, faculty members and parents—on this tremendous, and well-deserved honor.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FACTS

fHON. JACK METCALF OF WASHINGTON

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, May 16, 1995

Mr. METCALF. Mr. Speaker, while discussing the massive Federal debt and annual

budget deficits of over $200 billion at a recent

town hall meeting in Oak Harbor, WA, I used

a Member of the other body as an example of

the old guard in Washington, DC. I criticized

him for his opposition to the Balanced Budget

Amendment, his reputation for securing questionable spending projects for West Virginia,

and his unwillingness to cut wasteful Federal

spending.

I then said in a light-hearted vein at the

town hall meeting that because of this, the

Member should be tarred and feathered. Historically, since the late 1800’s, tarred and

feathered has been a humorous reference,

meaning community outrage at a person who

violates the general good of the community. I

have never, nor would I ever, seriously advocate mob violence toward anyone.

A more important note, in my mind, however, is the misinformation regarding a remark,

made from the audience, that the Member

should be shot. At the time of the comment I

was speaking and thus did not hear nor was

I aware of what had been said. Had I heard

the statement at the time, I would have condemned it on the spot.

Political rhetoric is one thing, but threatening

violence is quite another. I have always condemned senseless acts of violence and have

worked to enact laws ensuring swift and sure

punishment for those who break the law.

My comments were intended to illustrate the

abuses of the old, outdated political process,

certainly not to support the use of violence.

IN APPRECIATION OF THE COMMITMENT OF WILLIAM REES

fHARRIS TO THE SALISBURY

VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE SERVICE

HON. NANCY L. JOHNSON OF CONNECTICUT

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, May 16, 1995

Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and appreciation that

I rise today to commend Rees Harris, a lifelong resident of Salisbury, CT, for his generosity and leadership in forming the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service in 1971.

Rees is known throughout the northwest

corner of Connecticut for his vision of community life and his commitment to and support of

programs that support the needs of the residents of the small towns, like Salisbury, that

comprise the northwest corner. In 1971,

through Rees’ personal generosity, the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service was established. Today, Rees will be honored by the

board of trustees of the service in recognition

of his dedication and compassion for his

neighbors and for contributing to the quality of

life they all enjoy.

In a small, tight-knit community such as

Salisbury, many good deeds are accomplished, as neighbor helps neighbor in a quiet

fashion. Rees is a humble man, a gentleman

who has earned the respect of his peers for

his unending concern for all those who call

home the very special community of Salisbury,

CT.

I know Rees finds deep, personal satisfaction through helping others, and on behalf of

my Salisbury constituents, I express appreciation for his contributions to the lives of many

and for strengthening the services and institutions on which the community relies.

TRIBUTE TO GILBERT MURRAY

fHON. FRANK RIGGS OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, May 16, 1995

Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay

homage to a very special person, who was recently taken away from us by a cowardly and

desperate act. Gilbert Murray, president of the

California Forestry Association, was killed on

April 24, 1995, by a mail bomb at his office in

Sacramento, CA.

Gil touched many lives, both professionally

and personally. He dedicated his life to protecting the forests, which he learned to love as

a child. He continued to explore and enjoy the

outdoor world as an adult. He taught his family

to love and appreciate nature in all its majestic

forms—exploring mountain peaks, churning

rivers, tropical reefs, snowclad hillsides, glaciers, and deep blue lakes.

Born on June 18, 1947, Gil spent most of

his childhood in Southern California. After

serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967–

70 in Vietnam, he returned to the United

States to marry his childhood sweetheart,

Connie.

Gil spent most of his professional life devoted to forestry issues. After graduating from

the University of California at Berkeley in 1975

with a degree in forestry, he went to work as

a dirt forester for Collins Pine Co. in Chester,

CA. Through the years he worked in several

organizations involved in forestry, eventually

rising to the presidency of the California Forestry Association.

What is unique and special about Gil is the

incredible amount of love and affection that his

friends and family have for him. Devoted to his

job, he never lost sight of the people around

him. His family was always his first priority.

Perhaps his young niece stated it best, ‘‘He

was just the best person in the world.’’

Mr. Speaker, I hope all Members will join

me in saluting Gilbert Murray and condemning

his assassination. Gil was indeed a special

person, and we can all best respect his life by

advancing his ideals now that he is gone.

GOP SAVES MEDICARE

fHON. STEPHEN E. BUYER OF INDIANA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, May 16, 1995

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, Medicare is in

dire need of improvements. Medicare part A

will go bankrupt by 2002; in just 7 years. Medicare part B, has already begun to lose

money. Medicare is our forth largest Federal

budget item, consuming 12 percent of the

budget.

If the Medicare system is not reformed now,

we may not have a program to reform in the

very near future. Since 1992, Medicare has

been paying out more money in claims than it

has received in payroll taxes. These services

must be run in a more responsible and fiscally

prudent manner while maintaining Medicare’s

quality.