[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 95 (Friday, June 8, 2018)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E817] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN RECOGNITION OF JIM KOSTEVA FOR HIS CAREER OF SERVICE ON BEHALF OF THE SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN COMMUNITY ______ HON. DEBBIE DINGELL of michigan in the house of representatives Friday, June 8, 2018 Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim Kosteva as he retires from the University of Michigan. Jim has been an outstanding public servant who has served the students of southeast Michigan with distinction. After receiving his bachelor degree in Metropolitan Studies from North Central College, Mr. Kosteva took a position as the Director of Community Planning for Canton Township in southeast Michigan. It was there that his passion for the state and the issues facing Michigan residents grew. He was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1984 where he served for four terms. During his tenure as a Michigan legislator, he focused on the issues of school finance reform, public transportation, solid waste management and land use. His legislation, the Michigan Education Trust, was passed into law during his first term and created one of the first pre-paid college tuition plans in the country. His years of effective public service and passion for education issues allowed him to excel in his next role as Director of Communications at the University of Michigan. Mr. Jim Kosteva joined the University of Michigan in 1994 as the Director of Community relations. In this position, he coordinates partnerships with local and national organizations, works with the City of Ann Arbor on issues of mutual concern and fosters philanthropic engagement among the student body and faculty. Under his leadership, the University has cultivated a meaningful relationship with the City of Ann Arbor that has led to the resolution of public and campus safety concerns as well as a 62.3 percent growth in Ann Arbor's tax base since 2001. Mr. Kosteva is known by his colleagues and students for his creative and strong leadership as well as his passion for city- university relations. Throughout his career, he has represented the University on a variety of local boards including the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce, the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau and Washtenaw United Way. He has had a tremendous impact on the direction of the University of Michigan's community relations, and we look forward to his continued positive impact on our Michigan community in the coming years. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jim Kosteva and his years of service to the southeast Michigan community. His dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of the University of Michigan made him an exemplary public servant. ____________________