The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO WELLINGTON E. WEBB, MAYOR OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1542-E1543 on July 21, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO WELLINGTON E. WEBB, MAYOR OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER
______
HON. DIANA DeGETTE
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 21, 2003
Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the exceptional accomplishments of a prominent citizen in the 1st Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that we recognize this distinguished public servant for his impressive record of civic leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend this eminent citizen that I rise to honor Wellington E. Webb, Mayor of the City & County of Denver.
Mayor Webb has been on the front lines of progress for decades and has proven to be a powerful force in transforming the landscape of our city. His career in public service began in 1972 when he was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives representing northeast Denver. In 1977, he was selected by then President Jimmy Carter to serve as Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. In 1981, then Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm appointed him to his cabinet as Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies and in 1987, he was elected Denver City Auditor.
In 1991, Wellington Webb was elected mayor of Denver and is the first African American to hold this office. He led our city through an era that has been characterized as a time of vision, energy, progress and economic transformation. Under his leadership, Denver's open space has increased by approximately fifty percent. Denver's economic turnaround during the 1990's is considered a national model. Mayor Webb's commitment to children and education spurred city investment into initiatives including the Safe City Program and the Summer Youth Employment Program. He stood up to violence in our community on numerous occasions and continually affirmed tolerance as a essential civic value. Mayor Webb has brought a passion for the Arts dedicating both time and resources to making our city a leading cultural center. He implemented some of the nations' most progressive historic preservation policies and our city has witnessed the economic benefits resulting from the preservation of Denver's historic core.
During his tenure, Mayor Webb led successful ballot initiatives to enhance our economic vitality and quality of life including expansion of the Colorado Convention Center and the Denver Zoo, renovation of the Quigg Newton Auditorium and construction of the Pepsi Center and INVESCO Field at Mile High. The expansion of the Denver Central Public Library and construction of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library and the Webb Municipal Building are also to his credit. Additionally, Mayor Webb promoted the redevelopment of the former Stapleton Airport and Lowry Air Force Base sites--two of the largest in-fill projects in the country--as well as guided the transformation of Central Platte Valley.
During his tenure, Denver International Airport established a reputation as one of the best run airports in the world which has enhanced the ability of existing firms to do business internationally and contributes to the region's ability to attract new businesses on a global scale. Mayor Webb led trade missions to China, Africa, Mexico and Europe to encourage investment and business development between nations. Under his leadership, Denver hosted World Youth Day with Pope John Paul II and hosted President Clinton and other world leaders for the Denver Summit of the Eight, an event that helped to put Denver on the global map.
Mayor Webb has held several prominent national positions including most recently, President of the United States Conference of Mayors. Magazines including Newsweek, Fortune and Ebony have recognized him as one of our nation's most influential civic leaders. He continues to collaborate closely with his wife, former six-term Colorado State Representative, Wilma J. Webb. As Denver's First Lady, she has worked on various issues impacting our youth and families. She previously served as the Secretary's Representatives for Region VIII of the U.S. Department of Labor and has chaired various governmental groups, represented the city at public and private meetings and hosted national and international dignitaries.
Wellington Webb's tenure as Mayor of the City and County of Denver is quickly drawing to a close. He has worked to preserve and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods' and has been the catalyst for major civic enterprises and economic development undertakings in our city. The success Denver has enjoyed in recent years has been due, in large measure, to Mayor Webb's efforts in cultivating a shared vision and promoting inclusion. His leadership has been exemplary and his contributions are rich in consequence. On behalf of the citizens of the 1st Congressional District, I wish to express our gratitude and look forward to his continued involvement in our civic life.
Please join me in commending Mayor Wellington E. Webb, a distinguished public servant. It is the strong leadership he exhibits on a daily basis which continually enhances our lives and builds a better future for all Americans.
____________________
