Congressman Sherman’s Statement on the passing of Congressman Anthony C. Beilenson

Sherman Oaks, CA – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) released the following statement after the passing of Congressman Tony Beilenson.

"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman Tony Beilenson. He was a champion for our area and will be remembered for his ability to debate tough issues of the greatest controversy and importance with civility and respect.

"It is fitting that Tony left Congress just as partisanship and gridlock began to be such pervasive problems in Washington in the late 1990s. Nevertheless, far beyond his bi-partisan spirit, he left an incredible legacy in Congress and in Southern California. I was fortunate to succeed him in the House to represent the San Fernando Valley and, at that time, Malibu, the Las Virgenes area and the Conejo Valley.

"I was honored to have his support, friendship, and advice. He had an incredibly dedicated staff that helped thousands of his constituents over the years, and I was very luck to inherit some of those people when I first came to Congress.

"He was a liberal champion for women's choice and the environment nationally. Californians and people from across the country owe Tony a great deal – and they can literally see it every time they drive up the PCH. He was essential to the creation of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which is the most frequently visited national park in the country. I was pleased to continue his efforts to acquire and set aside parkland in the Santa Monicas and elsewhere. Without his efforts we would not have all the open space we currently enjoy in the Mountains, the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, and other places.

"Tony's character and intellect were so respected that his colleagues made him the Chairman of the Intelligence Committee. He was also a very humble man. When we dedicated Anthony C. Beilenson Park in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, in 1998, he went out of his way to give credit to so many others that had helped bring about that park and said he was embarrassed by the honor.

"I was pleased to be with Tony in 2012 when we dedicated the visitor center of the Santa Monica Mountains Natural Recreation Center. The Santa Monica Mountains Anthony C.Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center will continue to teach Southern Californians about our environment and the need to protect it.

"My condolences go out to his friends and relatives, especially Dolores, Adam, Peter, Dayna and grandchildren."