July 25, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 126 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO GEORGE MITROVICH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2019

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, it is with great sorrow that 
I mourn the passing of my friend, my neighbor, and San Diego icon: 
George Mitrovich.
  I often joked that one of the reasons I ran for office was so that 
George could introduce me at events. He was a dynamic and articulate 
speaker with a velvet voice. It was always an honor to be introduced by 
him.
  During the debate leading up to a vote on the Affordable Care Act in 
2009, I held a town hall meeting with constituents to hear their 
thoughts. I knew interest in the meeting was very high and there would 
be a big crowd.
  I thought to myself, who do I know who could control a large, 
feisty--possibly angry--group of people. Of course the answer was 
George. When I asked him if he wanted to take on the challenge, he said 
he was delighted.
  More than 1,200 people attended that town hall and people were fired 
up. With his commanding presence, George deftly moderated the event--
kept folks in line and the proceedings on course.
  It is virtually impossible to travel around San Diego and not see 
George's impact. He was on just about every board and every commission. 
What an incredible amount of boundless ideas and endless energy he had. 
And he kept it up until his final days.
  It wasn't just San Diego that benefited from his talents. George was 
active in causes and events in many cities around the country.
  George was a writer, a public speaker, and an athlete. But mostly, he 
was a trusted and loyal friend.
  Above all, I send condolences to his loving family.
  It is safe to say that San Diego won't see the likes of George 
Mitrovich again.

                          ____________________