[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING ELENA SHAYNE UPON HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 24, 1998

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a special 
occasion for the people of Santa Clara County. On July 8th, Elena 
Shayne, the Washington Legislative Advocate of Santa Clara County, is 
retiring after 19 years of public service.
  To many of us in this chamber, Elena is a familiar face, tirelessly 
promoting good and fair government. She has been a champion of Santa 
Clara County's abused children and an advocate for the ``safety net'' 
for those who are needy.
  Elena began it all at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, where she 
completed her education as she would her career, with honors and 
distinction.
  She demonstrated her dedication to the principles of democracy early. 
Almost 24 years ago, as the Executive Director for a not-for-profit 
organization, Elena rallied groups nationwide to bring basic civic 
rights to the overlooked residents of the District of Columbia. In 
1978, Congress passed the fruits of her labor, a constitutional 
amendment which would have given District residents full voting 
representation in Congress.
  From there, Elena brought her warm demeanor and sensible style to 
bear for Santa Clara County. I first met her in January of 1981, when I 
began my service as a member of the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors. 
We had a lot of work ahead of us. Santa Clara was beginning its march 
to become the information technology capital of the world it is today.
  With a rare insight into the workings of Washington, Elena pressed 
relentlessly to help Santa Clara County's people and economy flourish. 
As its population boomed, she helped secure a number of critical public 
transit projects, including the twenty-mile light rail system on the 
Guadalupe Corridor.
  For all her talents, it was her compassion that will leave the 
deepest imprint. I remember working closely with Elena to alleviate the 
plight of Southeast Asian refugees who came to California seeking 
political asylum. Through her efforts, a coalition of private and 
public agencies established job training and resettlement programs for 
thousands of immigrants and refugees.
  When Elena Shayne leaves her office on July 8th, she will be closing 
the door on an era of warm, effective advocacy for the people of Santa 
Clara County, but I am sure that she will continue to advocate for 
those in need as an active citizen.
  Thank you, Elena. We will miss you and wish you the best for the 
future.

                          ____________________