Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-13

HONORING THE LEGACY OF MAX RODRIGUEZ

TaxesCrime & JusticeLaborInfrastructureAgriculture

Context

On 2026-05-13, Representative Jim Costa (D-CA-21) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LEGACY OF MAX RODRIGUEZ" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE LEGACY OF MAX RODRIGUEZ

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E440] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LEGACY OF MAX RODRIGUEZ ______ HON. JIM COSTA of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Max Rodriguez, a devoted public servant, community leader, and lifelong resident of Madera, California, who passed away on April 24, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on November 3, 1939, to Josephine and Maximo Rodriguez, Max was raised on Madera's east side, where he developed a lifelong commitment to service, hard work, and community. After graduating from Madera High School in 1958, he continued his education at Fresno City College and went on to proudly serve in the California Army National Guard. Max's professional life reflected his values of dedication and leadership. He began as a farmworker before spending 25 years at the American Forest Products, also known as North Fork Sawmill, where he became the Financial Secretary and President of Lumber and Sawmill Workers Union Local 2762. Following the closure of the sawmill in 1985, he pursued a career as a Farmers Insurance agent, serving the Madera community until his retirement in 2008. Max Rodriguez's public service was equally distinguished. First elected to the Madera County Board of Supervisors in 2004, he proudly represented District 4 for four consecutive terms, dedicating 16 years to improving the quality of life for the county's residents. During his tenure, he championed safe neighborhoods, quality schools, economic development. and public safety initiatives. He played a pivotal role in organizing Fresno River clean-up efforts, expanding law enforcement coverage, and supporting infrastructure projects, including the high-speed rail and associated regional development. He also contributed to education and youth programs, supporting the construction of multiple schools within the Madera Unified School District and helping establish the John Wells Youth Center at Centennial Park. Beyond the board of supervisors, he served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Madera County Transportation Commission, First 5 Madera County, LAFCO, and the San Joaquin River Conservancy, among others. His civic engagement extended to organizations such as the Pan-American Club, the Madera Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the NAACP Branch 1084. Max was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Sarah Rodriguez; his parents; and his siblings, Connie Munoz, Josephine Herrera, Victoria Contreras, Mary Helen Soto, Hope Rosales, Vera Olono, and Phillip Rodriguez. He is survived by his children, Barbara Dolan (John), Karen Scrivner (Gary), and Mark Rodriguez; as well as his grandchildren, Davis Pogue, and Juliana Pogue. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Max Rodriguez for his decades of service and enduring impact on the Madera Community. May his life continue to inspire public servants and citizens alike. ____________________

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HONORING THE LEGACY OF MAX RODRIGUEZ Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E440] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LEGACY OF MAX RODRIGUEZ ______ HON. JIM COSTA of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Max Rodriguez, a devoted public servant, community leader, and lifelong resident of Madera, California, who passed away on April 24, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on November 3, 1939, to Josephine and Maximo Rodriguez, Max was raised on Madera's east side, where he developed a lifelong commitment to service, hard work, and community. After graduating from Madera High School in 1958, he continued his education at Fresno City College and went on to proudly serve in the California Army National Guard. Max's professional life reflected his values of dedication and leadership. He began as a farmworker before spending 25 years at the American Forest Products, also known as North Fork Sawmill, where he became the Financial Secretary and President of Lumber and Sawmill Workers Union Local 2762. Following the closure of the sawmill in 1985, he pursued a career as a Farmers Insurance agent, serving the Madera community until his retirement in 2008. Max Rodriguez's public service was equally distinguished. First elected to the Madera County Board of Supervisors in 2004, he proudly represented District 4 for four consecutive terms, dedicating 16 years to improving the quality of life for the county's residents. During his tenure, he championed safe neighborhoods, quality schools, economic development. and public safety initiatives. He played a pivotal role in organizing Fresno River clean-up efforts, expanding law enforcement coverage, and supporting infrastructure projects, including the high-speed rail and associated regional development. He also contributed to education and youth programs, supporting the construction of multiple schools within the Madera Unified School District and helping establish the John Wells Youth Center at Centennial Park. Beyond the board of supervisors, he served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Madera County Transportation Commission, First 5 Madera County, LAFCO, and the San Joaquin River Conservancy, among others. His civic engagement extended to organizations such as the Pan-American Club, the Madera Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the NAACP Branch 1084. Max was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Sarah Rodriguez; his parents; and his siblings, Connie Munoz, Josephine Herrera, Victoria Contreras, Mary Helen Soto, Hope Rosales, Vera Olono, and Phillip Rodriguez. He is survived by his children, Barbara Dolan (John), Karen Scrivner (Gary), and Mark Rodriguez; as well as his grandchildren, Davis Pogue, and Juliana Pogue. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Max Rodriguez for his decades of service and enduring impact on the Madera Community. May his life continue to inspire public servants and citizens alike. ____________________