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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING DAVID CONDON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE
______
HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS
of washington
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and
thank Mayor David Condon, who will go down as Spokane's most
significant mayor since Expo '74. Mayor Condon is a friend, my former
district director and deputy chief of staff, a former U.S. Army
Captain, and a visionary and compassionate leader who during his eight
years of service to the City of Spokane showed that a good government
doesn't have to be an expensive one.
When David earned the trust of Spokane's citizens and was elected as
mayor, the crime in the city was high, development had slowed, and the
river that runs through the heart of the city was becoming more
polluted every day. David set out with a tremendous vision to reverse
these trends, and lead a revitalization of the city that will continue
to be realized and appreciated for decades to come.
During his time as the Mayor of Spokane--the largest city in my
district--David was known for his focus on solutions to help the city
grow and modernize for the future. He was instrumental in championing
the revival of Spokane's Riverfront Park, cleaning up our river and
restoring the lifeblood of Spokane. His efforts were recognized
nationally, including by President Obama.
During his thoughtful tenure, Spokane thrived because David always
worked to bring new and exciting businesses to our area and provide
even more opportunities for people to build a better life. The city's
median household income has increased by 37 percent since 2014, job
growth is up 3.9 percent since 2015, and the crime rate is down. The
future of Spokane's libraries is secured through David's leadership in
passing a bond to remodel four existing libraries and build three more.
David also championed rebuilding the city's aging infrastructure
through smart investment and encouraging private partnerships. He hired
more police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders and
improved our emergency service response time to better protect and
serve the city. Spokane, and all of Eastern Washington, is stronger
today because of Mayor Condon's remarkable and visionary leadership.
He put Spokane on the map. We are no longer a medium-sized town in
search of our identity, we are a national model and a shining example
for other cities to follow. That is because of David's time, talent,
sweat, and tears.
I'm proud to call David a friend and colleague. As he embarks on the
next chapter, we will miss the leadership that he brought. On behalf of
Washington's Fifth Congressional District, I thank Mayor Condon for his
eight years of service and commitment to the City of Spokane. He left
the city better off than he found it and truly made Spokane the ``City
of Choice.''
____________________
