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Rep. Lynn Woolsey

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Roumiguiere, a Marin County political leader who served on the Board of Supervisors for 22 years. Mr. Roumiguiere died on November 5, 2001, of a heart attack.

Mr. Roumiguiere will be remembered especially for his role in creating parks in Central Marin and preserving open space on the County's ridgelines. He was also instrumental in securing acquisition of the Northwestern Pacific railroad right of way in hopes of creating commuter rail service and fought for improvements to the Highway 101 Freeway and use of Hamilton Field as a business hub.

As a fiscal watchdog, Mr. Roumiguiere sought to curb county spending. His tenacious negotiating style focused on bringing stakeholders together to find common ground. He was able to work with both Marin business community and environmentalists to achieve consensus.

After his 22 years as Supervisor, Mr. Roumiguiere served on the county employees' retirement board. He had a background in the real estate business in Marin County and often shared the products of Roumiguiere Vineyards (Big Red), which he purchased in Lake County in 1980. His involvement with civic groups includes the Man'n Council of Boy Scouts of America, Marin Board of Realtors, Marin Shakespeare Festival, San Rafael High School PTA, and the Louise A. Boyd Marin Museum.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Robert Roumiguiere for his many contributions to our community. His vision for Marin County will continue to inspire all of us--and he will be sorely missed.