[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E171]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JUDY ROCCIANO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2001

  Ms. DeGETTE Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the notable 
accomplishments and the extraordinary life of a woman in the 1st 
Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that 
we recognize this community leader for her exceptional record of civic 
leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend this outstanding 
citizen that I rise to honor Ms. Judy Rocciano.
  Judy Rocciano is a remarkable woman who has touched the lives of many 
people and made a tremendous impact on our community. Her indomitable 
spirit has sustained her through many challenges and molded a life of 
notable accomplishment. Those who know Judy understand her passion for 
fairness, community service and political activism. She is well known 
in the Denver area for being outspoken and for her immeasurable 
contribution to the life our community.
  Judy Rocciano began her life in Findlay, Ohio and in 1971, she came 
to Colorado on vacation and subsequently moved to Denver three months 
later. Judy is a paralegal and has been a successful businesswoman. She 
has distinguished herself in the non-profit sector as the Southwest 
Director of the Concord Coalition where she worked on revisions to 
Social Security and Medicare in six states. She also served as a 
powerful advocate for Choice as Executive Director of Colorado NARAL. 
It comes as no surprise that she was honored by Colorado NARAL as a 
``Local Hero.''
  Judy also found the time to serve in numerous community service 
capacities as a board member of the Washington Park Community Center, 
as a founding board member of the Neighborhood Resource Center, and as 
President of Colorado NARAL, the Aurora League of Women Voters, the 
West Washington Park Neighborhood Association and the Theatre 
Associates Group. She has also been very active in the Colorado Chapter 
of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
  I have had the great privilege of working with Judy Rocciano in a 
political organizing capacity. She is well known in Democratic 
political circles for her leadership and years of service to the 
Democratic Party and its candidates. When people need some advice or 
need to get something done, they go to Judy Rocciano. She has managed 
numerous campaigns including those of State Senator Deanna Hanna, State 
Senator Doug Linkhart, State Representative Wayne Knox, State Board of 
Education Member Gully Stanford, and Councilman Dave Doering. She was 
instrumental in passing the bonding authority to build Denver 
International Airport and she also managed campaigns for the Science 
and Cultural Facilities District to bring needed resources to sustain 
the arts and cultural amenities in Denver. She headed up the Get-Out-
The-Vote effort for my first campaign, for the campaign of Councilwoman 
Cathleen MacKenzie and for the Democratic Coordinated Campaign.
  Judy Rocciano's contribution to the life and character of our 
community is one that is rich in consequence. It is the character and 
deeds of Judy Rocciano, and all Americans like her, which distinguishes 
us as a nation and ennobles us as a people.
  Please join me in paying tribute to Judy Rocciano. It is the values, 
leadership and commitment she exhibits on a daily basis that serves to 
build a better future for all Americans. Her life serves as an example 
to which we should all aspire.

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