[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 125 (Friday, September 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1758]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF NAO TAKASUGI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 18, 1998

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a native son of my 
district, a man who decided to become part of the solution when 
confronted by a reticent City Hall, and who turned that decision into a 
distinguished career on behalf of his fellow citizens.
  Nao Takasugi will retire from the California Assembly this year after 
three dignified terms. He began his foray into politics in much the 
same way I began mine: Bureaucratic bungling forced him to take on his 
local government. He ran for the Oxnard City Council in 1976, won, and 
then got right to work. During his 10 years as mayor of Ventura 
County's largest city, Mr. Takasugi was credited with piloting it 
through its most productive years by creating jobs and encouraging 
economic growth.
  In 1992, Mr. Takasugi decided to take his problem-solving expertise 
to the state level and ran successfully for the California Assembly in 
the 37th District. Bills he introduced that were signed into law 
include an expanded Taxpayer Bill of Rights, creation of a settlement 
authority for taxpayers in dispute with the California Franchise Tax 
Board, adding Hepatitis B to the list of diseases children must be 
vaccinated against prior to attending school, and creating a three-year 
pilot project to extend the school year for the Oxnard Union High 
School District.
  Mr. Takasugi was well-prepared to be an effective legislator. He was 
valedictorian of Oxnard High School and received his bachelor's degree 
in accounting form Temple University before earning his MBA from 
Wharton School of Business and Finance. He speaks both Japanese and 
Spanish. He has been a successful businessman for more than 35 years. 
He and Judy have been married 46 years and have five grown children.
  Once he became involved in government, Mr. Takasugi took it on with 
the same zeal with which he conducts his private life. He has chaired 
more than 25 local, statewide, and national boards and commissions, 
including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, 
and the Economic Development Advisory Board. He has become a recognized 
expert on transportation and government issues.
  In short, Mr. Takasugi is a shining example of the power inside each 
individual to make a difference. He has made that difference on behalf 
of the people in his community, his county and his state. Mr. Speaker, 
I know my colleagues will join me in thanking Mr. Takasugi for his many 
years of selfless service and wish him well in any future endeavors.

                          ____________________