January 29, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 18 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MAYOR GREG PETTIS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Ruiz) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mayor Greg 
Pettis, a leader and devoted advocate for our desert communities in 
California's 36th Congressional District, who unexpectedly passed away 
recently on January 15.
  I had the privilege of working with Mayor Pettis to fight for 
equality and social justice for the people of the Coachella Valley.
  Mayor Pettis set an example as a public servant committed to 
protecting the rights of all his constituents.
  During his decades of service to our communities, Mayor Pettis never 
wavered in his advocacy for civil rights, improved transportation, and 
access to healthcare.

                              {time}  1015

  As Cathedral City's first openly gay public servant and longest 
serving council member, Mayor Pettis was a trailblazer and a role 
model.
  Every day, Mayor Pettis brought his passion for helping others to the 
call to public service. He helped our valley build a public library, 
combat drug addiction, and expand affordable housing.
  Through his leadership and kindness, Mayor Pettis will live on in the 
memory of his brothers, Stephen and David Pettis, and the friends, 
neighbors, and families whose lives he touched.


                  Recognizing Supervisor Marion Ashley

  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Supervisor Marion 
Ashley on his retirement after more than 35 years of public service.
  Supervisor Ashley has served the people in Riverside County since 
2002 with leadership, integrity, respect, and enthusiasm. He grew up in 
Riverside County, California, and like me, has had the privilege of 
returning home to serve.
  To see his positive impact on the cities of Banning, Beaumont, 
Calimesa, and others, you only need to look around. You will see 
medical centers, public parks, wildlife conservation areas, and fire 
stations that exist thanks to his advocacy.
  In retirement, I hope Supervisor Ashley will enjoy spending more time 
with Mary, his wife of more than 60 years, and their 6 children, 19 
grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
  On behalf of communities across Riverside County, it is my honor to 
congratulate Supervisor Ashley on a well-earned retirement.

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