February 3, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E91 This new equipment is more than simply TAIWANESE REFERENDUM Neptune Township Housing Authority. From state-of-the-art. It is state-of-the-future. The humble beginnings as a rent collector, Robert new melt shop will be tightly closed, and en- HON. SCOTT GARRETT West rose through the ranks of the Authority able the plant to capture 100 percent of all air OF NEW JERSEY to the prestigious position of Executive Direc- emissions. Advanced technologies will mini- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tor. mize the release of carbon monoxide and Mr. West’s distinguished period of public Tuesday, February 3, 2004 eliminate dust. All water-cooled furnace parts service included affiliations to the Neptune will have temperature sensors and flow meters Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker Lions Club, Jersey Shore Medical Center and to detect leaks. Taiwan and the United States have a long and stints as the President of the Neptune Board fruitful relationship. Taiwan’s democracy is of Education, who’s most notable contribution In other words, Mr. Speaker, this is not an modeled after ours and its economic pros- was to save the school marching band expansion for its own sake. It is an expansion perity depends much on the mutual trade be- through personal endeavors and vigorous for the sake of safety, the environment and tween Taiwan and the United States. Taiwan’s fundraising efforts. the team of dedicated employees who work at leaders were mostly educated in the United Under Mr. West’s tenure as Executive Di- Nucor-Jewett. I also want to point out that a States and Taiwan has nearly 30,000 students rector, the Neptune Housing Authority has ex- centerpiece of this modernization is a new 90- studying in America colleges and their tourists’ perienced growth unlike anything that it has ton electric are furnace, or EAF. This too, number one overseas destination is the United ever seen. Director West implemented pro- stands as testimony of Nucor’s commitment to States. grams to improve the quality of life for tenants, performing in the most responsible possible So despite the lack of formal diplomatic re- improve the quality of the residences in which manner. lations, Taiwan is a close ally of our govern- they resided, and helped to make the adminis- The EAF process is one of the most effi- ment. It has supported our global war against trative offices of the NTHA handicap acces- cient, effective technologies in manufacturing terrorism and has pledged humanitarian-as- sible. For his work, the United States Housing today. It is less expensive and capital inten- sistance to postwar Iraq. and Urban Development Association awarded On the other hand, we have the Taiwan Re- Mr. West several outstanding achievement sive than traditional steel making, which has lations Act, a law of the land which is de- awards. helped Nucor become one of the lowest-cost signed to provide Taiwan with adequate weap- In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would like to producers in the world. But just as important, ons to protect itself against invasion from extend my dearest gratitude to Mr. West for it requires fewer raw materials and less en- China. The U.S. policy on Taiwan-China rela- his indelible service to the community in which ergy. tions is to maintain the status quo in the Tai- he lived. A career such as his truly merits The facts are staggering. For every ton of wan Strait. praise, and I too ask, that my colleagues join steel produced, the EAF process saves 2,500 Taiwan’s planned March 20 referendum, me in honoring Mr. Robert E. West for a sto- pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and contrary to what Chinese leaders have said ried career that has touched the lives of all 120 pounds of limestone. Annually, it saves about it, is designed to maintain the status those whom he had served. enough energy to electrically power the city of quo in the Taiwan Strait. It is not to provoke f Los Angeles for eight years. On top of that, it Chinese leaders. It merely asks Taiwan voters HONORING MURIEL JOHNSON also reduces air and water emissions, and whether their government should buy more greenhouse gases that are associated with anti-missile weapons if China refuses to with- conventional steelmaking. draw its 496 missiles targeted at Taiwan and HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI whether their government should open up OF CALIFORNIA This kind of environmental responsibility is talks with China about other issues. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nothing new to Nucor. The company, which I feel the 23 million people of Taiwan have Tuesday, February 3, 2004 operates 30 facilities in 14 states—including a right to hold such a referendum. We mustn’t four in Texas—is the largest producer of recy- allow China to intimidate Taiwan with talks of Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to cled steel in the world. It takes scrap metal overtaking Taiwan by force and other verbal honor a woman with a long and impressive list that would otherwise be clogging landfills or threats. of contributions to the County of Sacramento. To say that Muriel Johnson is an important tossed in fields or along roadsides and turns f it into something of value that can be used in and treasured member of our community automobiles, farm machinery, metal buildings, RECOGNIZING MR. ROBERT E. would only begin to skim the surface of the furniture and recreational equipment. WEST UPON RETIREMENT FROM extraordinary service that she has given our YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERV- communities over her 41 years as a Sac- But this modernization takes that commit- ICE TO THE NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP ramento resident. Muriel, who is currently in ment to a whole new level. As I said at the HOUSING AUTHORITY the last year of a successful 12-year stint as outset of my remarks, it demonstrates that a Sacramento County Supervisor, has deserv- economic growth and environmental protection HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. edly been acknowledged by the Sacramento are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce as the re- profit and prosperity can and should co-exist OF NEW JERSEY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cipient of the 2003 Sacramentan of the Year with efforts to preserve our natural resources. Award. As her friends, family, and colleagues Tuesday, February 3, 2004 In Texas, we have the good sense to under- gather to celebrate Muriel’s illustrious career, I stand this. Nucor’s ability to undertake such a Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting significant modernization program was in part take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Rob- one of the Capital Region’s most accom- due to voter approval of a constitutional ert E. West, who has recently retired from the plished and widely respected leaders. amendment in 1993 that provides tax exemp- position of Executive Director to the Neptune Muriel Johnson grew up in Nebraska and tions on property used for pollution control. Township Authority. earned a bachelor of music degree from the The amendment enabled companies to invest Robert E. West was born in New York, and University of Nebraska. Before beginning her in environmental technologies without fear of moved to Neptune, NJ at an early age. After formal career in public service, Muriel contrib- seeing their property taxes increase. So we graduating as valedictorian of his high school uted to the betterment of her community by were able to protect the environment, class, and finishing his education at Mon- serving as a high school English and music mouth Junior College, he began work as an teacher. In addition, Muriel also taught ‘‘Man- strengthen our business climate and hold the insurance agent in New York, eventually mov- agement by Objectives’’ during her teaching line on taxes. ing to the prestigious North Carolina Mutual career. The success of Nucor-Jewett shows quite Insurance Company. In addition to selling in- Even before she was elected to the Sac- clearly that the wisdom Texans exhibited in surance, Mr. West worked with Haso Mainte- ramento Board of Supervisors, Muriel was an 1993 continues to pay off today. I would like nance Inc., working to dispatch taxis to the active and instrumental member of the local to take this opportunity to commend the Nucor city’s Bronx borough. volunteer community. Muriel played a vital role Steel Bar Mill Group, its employees and man- After 15 years working in the private sector, in raising more than $10 million dollars for a agement for helping to make Texas a land of Mr. West’s heart wished to stay in the place number of community service projects, the greater environmental and economic oppor- that he had resided since childhood, and arts, and local charity. Muriel served as Presi- tunity. began what would be a storied career in the dent of the Crocker Art Museum Board, the

VerDate jul 14 2003 05:23 Feb 04, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A03FE8.008 E03PT1 E92 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 3, 2004 Sacramento Junior League, the Sacramento/El TRIBUTE TO JOY DEFENBAUGH, During School Board Recognition Month we Dorado Medical Association Alliance, the His- RIVERSIDE CITY COUNCIL honor the administrators, staff, and volunteers tory Museum, and the Sacramento Symphony who work to promote academic excellence League. She also chaired the Advisory Board HON. KEN CALVERT and provide a safe learning environment for for California State Historic Park, and was a OF CALIFORNIA our students. Mayor’s appointee on the Downtown District IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES School board members are responsible for fulfilling one of the most important roles in our Study. Muriel’s close involvement with the di- Tuesday, February 3, 2004 versity of community organizations is a testa- society—helping develop young men and ment to her unyielding commitment to bring Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to women into the future leaders of our nation’s about positive changes to her community and honor and pay tribute to an individual whose economy, government, community, and dedication and contributions to the community houses of worship. improve the quality of life of her fellow citi- of Riverside, CA are exceptional. Riverside I would like to extend my most sincere zens. has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedi- thanks to all school board members in the In 1992, Muriel Johnson was first elected to cated community leaders who willingly and un- Fifth Congressional District of Texas for their the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. selfishly give their time and talent and make continued dedication and hard work. Their Muriel represents approximately 250,000 peo- their communities a better place to live and contribution to the education of our children is ple living in the County’s Third District. The work. Joy Defenbaugh is one of these individ- truly helping to shape the future or our com- Third District includes the communities of uals. munities and our Nation. Arden/Arcade, Carmichael, Campus Com- Joy has represented Ward 3 of the city of f mons, East Sacramento, College Glen, Col- Riverside for 12 years and has continually HONORING ALICE A. HUFFMAN lege Greens, East foothills Farms and a por- worked for the interests of her constituency. tion of North Highlands. During her tenure, Her area of representation includes the Mag- Muriel has served as the Chair of the Board nolia Center and the Riverside Municipal Air- HON. BARBARA LEE of Supervisors in 1995 and 1999. port. OF CALIFORNIA Joy served as chair of the Development IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In addition to her duties as County Super- Committee and served on the Finance and Tuesday, February 3, 2004 visor, Muriel has also served admirably as the Government Affairs Committees. She is a Chair, President and Board Member of the fol- member and past chair of the March Joint Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor lowing organizations since first being elected Powers Commission for the reuse of March a great leader, a woman of distinction, and a as supervisor: Sacramento Area Council of Air Reserve Base. Her commitment to the im- good friend, Alice Huffman. This month marks Governments, Sacramento Public Library Au- provement of the city of Riverside has been Alice’s 30th year of leadership in her efforts thority, California State Association of Coun- steadfast. for equality and justice. The ninth Congres- ties, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, Early in her political career, Joy recognized sional District salutes and thanks Alice for her Cable Commission, Sacramento Regional the diversity and cultural differences within the tireless and spirited service. Sanitation District, Sacramento Regional Tran- community. At the direction of Colin Powell, Alice Huffman was elected president of the California State Conference of the NAACP in sit, Sacramento Air Quality Management Dis- Joy spearheaded the Common Ground Task October 1999, where she is the first woman to trict, and California’s Elected Women’s Asso- Force which brought different groups of people hold this post. In this role, Alice leads 67 local ciation of Education and Research. in the community together regardless of ethnic background and cultural differences in order to branches, and more than 30 college chapters In recognition of her dedication to public relieve tension within the community. and youth units. With her leadership, they are service, Muriel is the rightful recipient of a In 1998, a former Riverside City employee continuing to fight for civil rights and equality number of community service awards includ- broke into the Riverside City Council Chamber for people of color all over California. In 2002, ing: the California Medical Association Alliance during a meeting and seriously injured several she was elected to the NAACP National Board 1999 Member of the Year, the National Philan- people. Despite this incident, Joy persevered of Directors, representing Region I. thropy Day Award for Outstanding Volunteer and continued public service. Her past experience includes serving as an Fundraiser, the first E.A. Combatalade Com- Joy’s tireless passion for community service appointee in Governor Jerry Brown’s adminis- munity Service Award, Soroptimist Woman of has contributed immensely to the betterment tration where she was Chief Deputy Director the Year, the 1993 Business Volunteers for of the community of Riverside, CA. She has of the State Parks and Recreation Department the Arts Award for Individual Service, the had a commitment to the economic growth and, later his Director of the Office of Eco- Women’s Transportation Seminar 2002 and has demonstrated leadership by recog- nomic Opportunity, a cabinet level position. Woman of the Year Award, the 2003 Shots for nizing an immediate need for community initia- Ms. Huffman has also served as the Associate Executive Director for politics for the California Tots Immunization Registry, and the 2003 tives such as railroad crossings and the Vision Teachers Association and State President of American Society for Public Administration’s for Today and Tomorrow. Her patriotic spirit the Black American Political Association of Excellence in Public Arts Award. for military and country is admirable. She has been the heart and soul of many community California. Throughout her term as County Supervisor, initiatives and I am proud to call her a fellow Alice is founder and president/CEO of A.C. Muriel Johnson has remained a steadfast sup- community member, American and friend. I Public Affairs, Inc., a public affairs firm that porter of neighborhood preservation, more effi- know that many community members are specializes in public and grass roots advo- cient transportation, better air quality, health grateful for her service and salute her as she cacy. She served on the Democratic National and welfare issues, sound economic develop- retires. Committee as the cochair for the Site-Selec- tion Committee for the 2004 Democratic Con- ment, better schools for our children and flood f control. There is no doubt that every one of vention. She is also a member of the Rules Muriel’s constituents has benefited in one way CELEBRATING SCHOOL BOARD Committee for the California Democratic Party. or another as a result of her hard work, dedi- APPRECIATION MONTH Currently, Ms. Huffman serves on the board cation, and vision. for Capitol Focus, as well as serving on T– HON. JEB HENSARLING CAP, which is a consumer advisory panel to Mr. Speaker, as Muriel’s friends, family, and SBC/Pacific Bell. In addition, she serves on colleagues gather to celebrate her great ca- OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the ‘‘Commission for One California,’’ a forum reer and acknowledgement as Sacramentan of for diversity and understanding headed by the Year, I am honored to pay tribute to one Tuesday, February 3, 2004 Lieutenant Governor Bustamante. She has re- of Sacramento’s most respected leaders. Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, in the cently been appointed to Assembly Speaker Muriel’s continuous leadership is a true testa- month of January, across the country, the Herb Wesson’s Commission on Police Con- ment to public service. Although her career in State of Texas and in the Fifth Congressional duct. public service may soon be over, her involve- District, we celebrate School Board Recogni- Ms. Huffman graduated from the University ment in community service is, fortunate for us, tion Month, to acknowledge the hard work of of California, Berkeley with honors in Social/ far from over. I ask all of my colleagues to join school board members and thank them for Cultural Anthropology. She then advanced her with me in wishing Muriel Johnson continued their valuable service in the education of our studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Uni- success in all her future endeavors. children. versity of California, Davis, and University of

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