[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1737-E1738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH M. GOMES--``MR. SAN PABLO''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 1998

  Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of a truly remarkable 
individual, Mr. Joseph M. Gomes. I know of no other person who has had 
such an all encompassing influence on his community. Joe's name is 
synonymous with the city he represents, and he cannot be denied the 
moniker, ``Mr. San Pablo''.
  Joe has made San Pablo his home for the greater part of 70 years. It 
is where he and his lovely wife, Mary, chose to settle and raise their 
family. Joe spent 35 years with American Standard and another 9 years 
with Phoenix Iron Works, before ending one career to pursue another. In 
1980, Joe was elected to his first term on the San Pablo City Council, 
and a life of public service was born. Over the past two decades, Joe's 
leadership on the Council has guided San Pablo through a transformation 
from a small, isolated community to a thriving urban city--a city which 
celebrates its cultural diversity, neighborhood spirit and livability.
  But Joe is not content to simply fulfill the role of elected 
official. His commitment extends to active participation in virtually 
every local club or organization, from the Chamber of Commerce, the 
Exchange Club, the Eagles and the Moose Lodge to the Salesian Boys & 
Girls Club and the Brookside Community Health Clinic. Joe's work has 
always been led by his heart, his concern and caring for all members of 
his community. Through his selfless service and tireless involvement, 
Joe has personally touched the life of each and every resident of San 
Pablo.
  I am personally honored to call Joe Gomes a friend and a mentor. On 
behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I would like to 
salute him and his work.

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