[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THOMAS J. FERRITO, J.D.: DEFENDER OF OUR ENVIRONMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 1997

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Tom Ferrito of 
Los Gatos, CA, who will end his service on the Bay Area Air Quality 
Management District Hearing Board on April 21, 1997 as a result of the 
district's term limit rule.
  A successful full-time attorney, Tom Ferrito's accomplishments and 
credits earned him the State-mandated attorney position on the five-
member Bay Area Quality Management District Hearing Board, on which he 
served 15 years. Prior to that service, Tom served 3 years on the 
district's board of directors.
  The Bay Area Quality Management District Hearing Board, a quasi-
judicial body, adjudicates various types of situations and is guided by 
the code of judicial conduct adopted by the California Judges 
Association. The hearing board carries out the judicial function of the 
district, holding hearings on citizens' appeals on the rightful issue 
of permits, and disputes between air pollution control officers and 
operators on the interpretation of air pollution rules.
  Last year, the seven-county Bay Area Air Quality Management District 
was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as being the 
Nation's largest metropolitan clean air region. This title represents 
40 years of progress toward improving air quality. It has been achieved 
by a long-term program of adoption and enforcement of regulations 
applicable to stationary sources--in a sound, methodical and sensitive 
manner. Tom Ferrito has played an active role in implementing that 
program and protecting the San Francisco Bay Area environment for over 
18 years.
  As the senior member of the hearing board, Tom Ferrito has set high 
standards of honesty and excellence. He stands out as a committed 
citizen, willing to give of his time for the betterment of the 
environment at both the local and regional levels.
  The service of this accomplished attorney and dedicated public 
servant will be missed by myself and the entire Bay Area community. We 
wish him well in every future endeavor.

                          ____________________