Introductory Remarks Of Senator Patrick Leahy
At The Nomination Hearing
Of Rodolphe “Skip” Vallee
To Be Ambassador To The Slovak Republic
Thursday, May 26, 2005

I thank Senator Allen and the members of the Foreign Relations committee for the opportunity to be here today as Senator Jeffords and I present to you a distinguished native son of Vermont, Rodolphe "Skip" Vallee, to be Ambassador to the Slovak Republic.  I am confident that he will be a credit to our nation in this assignment.

Skip is a native Vermonter whose family has lived in Vermont for generations.  While we approach politics from different sides of the aisle, I have tremendous respect for Skip as a businessman and as a fellow Vermonter.  Anyone who has had the pleasure of traveling through Vermont has likely bought some gas at a Vallee-owned service station.  The steady growth of the company and its emphasis on customer service have benefited from Skip’s vibrant tenure as head of the family business.

I imagine those who have closely followed Skip’s career are enjoying a little chuckle to themselves that I sit here recommending him for this important position.  That is because years ago – many years ago -- Skip applied for a position as an intern in my office.  It’s become a bit of political lore in Vermont that he did not get that position.  I don’t recall the decision-making process for that opening so long ago, but it does prompt some interesting speculation.  Having the pleasure of getting to know Skip in more recent years, I know that he would have been a great asset to my office, and I can not help but wonder if perhaps his political life might have tracked in different directions than it has . . . ah, but we shall never know.

All joking aside, Skip will represent our country well as Ambassador to the Slovak Republic.  His intellect, his commitment and his attentiveness will serve him effectively in this important post.  His business experience will not only be an asset to potential American investors in Eastern Europe, he will also be able to offer free market advice to Slovakian entrepreneurs. 

Skip, though your talents will be missed in Vermont while you are away, we will be proud to have one of our own serving in such a prestigious position.  Slovakia may be a long way from Vermont, but the small towns, hilly countryside and skiing will seem familiar.  I wish you, Denise and your children the best as you begin this journey.  

I have no doubt that this Committee will find Skip qualified for and deserving of this position, and I look forward to supporting his nomination on the Senate Floor.

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