Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-29

HONORING THE SERVICE OF VALERIE BARONE

EconomyInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-05-29, Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE SERVICE OF VALERIE BARONE" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE SERVICE OF VALERIE BARONE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E502] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF VALERIE BARONE ______ HON. MARK DeSAULNIER of california in the house of representatives Friday, May 29, 2026 Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valerie Barone as she retires from the City of Concord. Valerie has worked diligently to support Concord residents and city staff in her role as City Manager. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her steadfast commitment to service, starting her career as a Community Development Specialist with the U.S. Peace Corps, serving in the Philippines. In 2008, she joined the City of Concord as Assistant City Manager. She was appointed as interim City Manager in 2012 and began serving as City Manager in 2013. During her tenure, Valerie worked tirelessly to build a vibrant community in the City of Concord and guided the city as it continued to grow and develop. She was critical in promoting the city's economic growth, helping to establish Visit Concord, turning the Toyota Pavilion into a revenue generator for the region, helping the city to invest $27 million provided through the American Rescue Plan to strengthen the city's infrastructure and nonprofits, overseeing the development of the Veranda shopping center, and fostering the city's cultural landscape by preserving Concord's Music and Market concerts and public art installations through Creative Concord. Additionally, Valerie championed numerous regional initiatives, allowing Concord to serve as a leader in programs such as the Central County Family Justice Center, the County's CORE Program, and the County's A3 program. Her leadership was critical as she guided the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and budget challenges, helping the city to stabilize its budget and driving infrastructure improvements throughout the city. Valerie's leadership has been key in improving quality of life for Concord residents and helping the city to thrive. Her work has left an indelible impact on her neighbors and peers. Please join me in congratulating Valerie Barone on her retirement after 38 years of devoted public service. ____________________

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HONORING THE SERVICE OF VALERIE BARONE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E502] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF VALERIE BARONE ______ HON. MARK DeSAULNIER of california in the house of representatives Friday, May 29, 2026 Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valerie Barone as she retires from the City of Concord. Valerie has worked diligently to support Concord residents and city staff in her role as City Manager. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her steadfast commitment to service, starting her career as a Community Development Specialist with the U.S. Peace Corps, serving in the Philippines. In 2008, she joined the City of Concord as Assistant City Manager. She was appointed as interim City Manager in 2012 and began serving as City Manager in 2013. During her tenure, Valerie worked tirelessly to build a vibrant community in the City of Concord and guided the city as it continued to grow and develop. She was critical in promoting the city's economic growth, helping to establish Visit Concord, turning the Toyota Pavilion into a revenue generator for the region, helping the city to invest $27 million provided through the American Rescue Plan to strengthen the city's infrastructure and nonprofits, overseeing the development of the Veranda shopping center, and fostering the city's cultural landscape by preserving Concord's Music and Market concerts and public art installations through Creative Concord. Additionally, Valerie championed numerous regional initiatives, allowing Concord to serve as a leader in programs such as the Central County Family Justice Center, the County's CORE Program, and the County's A3 program. Her leadership was critical as she guided the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and budget challenges, helping the city to stabilize its budget and driving infrastructure improvements throughout the city. Valerie's leadership has been key in improving quality of life for Concord residents and helping the city to thrive. Her work has left an indelible impact on her neighbors and peers. Please join me in congratulating Valerie Barone on her retirement after 38 years of devoted public service. ____________________