[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E22]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO PATTY BRISSENDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 1998

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
fiftieth birthday of Patty Brissenden. I have personally known Patty 
for 17 years. Patty was one of my first employees when I was elected to 
the California State Assembly in 1980. Her energy, dedication and 
follow-through on issues in Santa Cruz county were invaluable.
  Having seen first hand her charismatic dedication, it was not 
surprising that she was active in many issues. During her time with me 
Patty successfully worked on organic food legislation, steel jaw traps 
legislation, extended Medi-Cal for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, 
elders in residence at U.C. Santa Cruz, petition to ban off shore oil, 
and highway 17 safety barriers. In the office Patty set high standards 
for responsiveness, casework management, and office outreach.
  Patty organized the Bill Clinton/Al Gore (1992 and 1996) presidential 
campaign for Alpine County and co-founded the Sierra Nevada Alliance. 
As an owner of Sorensen's Resort in Hope Valley, in the Sierra Nevadas, 
Patty has helped transform the former roadside inn to a widely-
acclaimed travel destination. She is a frequent presenter at the 
professional Association of Innkeepers International on topics of eco-
tourism, health care, and destination marketing.
  Patty and I remain friends and she continues to work with me on 
issues such as; logging, tourism, environment, and conservation. In all 
of her efforts, Patty demonstrates compassion, advocacy for the 
individual in need, a sense of justice and the understanding that 
problems can be solved by bringing diverse groups together to work on a 
solution. Today I celebrate Patty's 50th birthday by wishing her 
continued happiness and success.

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