[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 17777-17778] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN HONOR OF CELEBRATING THE SERVICE OF MR. GREGORY M. DIAMOND ______ HON. DIANA DeGETTE of colorado in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 30, 2008 Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Gregory M. Diamond, a dear friend and colleague who had served for over 10 distinguished years as my District Director in the First Congressional District of Colorado. Greg grew up in Denver as the son of Greek and Canadian immigrants. Both of his parents worked extremely hard to establish themselves in the United States instilling within Greg a tireless work ethic, an acumen for equality, an exceptional attention to detail, and a sharp mind for finance, politics, and sympathy for the human condition. [[Page 17778]] Greg's leadership abilities shined through early when he was elected Head Boy at Denver East High School. Greg moved on to attend the University of Denver earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy during the turbulent 1960's. This era of frustration with the Vietnam War and society's status quo inspired Greg to become involved in the University's anti-war and civil rights movements, imbedding a desire for social justice and fairness and the pursuit of public policies to benefit all people throughout his working life. Greg earned a Masters of Science in Judicial Administration at the University of Denver College of Law and worked for a few years in the Wayne County Court System in Detroit, Michigan. When his father became ill, Greg returned to Colorado to work in the family restaurant in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver. In 1988, Greg became greatly inspired by the presidential campaign of Michael Dukakis and joined the Colorado Coordinated Campaign. In addition to sharing Greek heritage with Governor Dukakis, Greg admired his practical yet inclusive style of governing and fiscal policies. Dukakis' loss was a disappointing blow for Greg, but he had caught the political bug. He moved on to manage a U.S. Senate primary, and worked in senior capacities on various other presidential, congressional, state, local and referenda campaigns, including the bond election to build Denver International Airport, where he met his future wife Faye, to whom he has been married for 16 years. In 1991, Greg began his career in public policy, serving in former Governor Roy Romer's cabinet in the Office of Energy Conservation, then four years as the Deputy State Treasurer under former Colorado State Treasurer Gail Schoettler. He finished up his years in the Governors Office of Economic Development as a Science and Technology Advisor. Greg is unique individual and a tower in Denver and Colorado politics in a District with a multitude of strong political personalities. In a city defined by a history of rough-and-tumble politics and a varied electorate, with their own political desires, Greg has managed to fly above the fray gaining the respect, admiration, and trust of the diverse constituencies of the First Congressional District. Greg has the enviable ability to actively listen to constituents concerns and to frame their arguments and the political realities in ways only a seasoned political mind and public policy analyst could. Greg will long be remembered for his extensive briefings and memos for District meetings which were exhaustively researched and supplied with extensive supporting materials. In any meeting I attended with Greg, I was confident I was well briefed and any issue or argument would be at my fingertips. Greg is also an eloquent writer, penning many of our offices tributes and speeches. There is also no doubt Greg was extremely popular in Colorado politics and in the broader Denver community. Any meeting or reception I would attend with Greg, constituents, business, and political leaders would joke with Greg and regale me bout some past shared experience. Greg would always return the favor with his hearty infectious laughter filling the room. Greg is fondly regarded by his District Office staff, many of whom he hired. The high retention rate in my District Office is a great tribute to Greg who treated his employees with respect, compassion, and a sense of humor which often kept the staff on their toes. Greg related well to young and older employee alike, always interested in what everyone had to say, encouraging staff for good deeds done, but also willing to guide staffers back in line when they went astray. Greg leaves my office in the height of his career, rising with me as a first term Representative to the Dean of the Colorado Congressional Delegation. I am deeply indebted to him for his service, guidance, and enduring commitment to the residents of the First Congressional District of Colorado. At the end of the day, there is one main reason we come to serve in this body: to help the people we represent and to improve their communities and livelihoods to the best of our abilities. It is with the assistance of such exceptional staff members as Greg Diamond that we are able to achieve these goals. There are thousands of Coloradans and residents of Denver, Englewood, Sheridan, and Cherry Hills Village whose lives have been touched by Greg's dedication and service. I ask you and our colleagues to join me as I thank Greg for his 10 years of service to the First District, express my gratitude for his long friendship and congratulate him as he enters a new phase of his public service. ____________________