[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 79 (Friday, June 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO BERNICE A. PETERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 8, 2001

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bernice A. Peterson. 
Bernice's retirement as Recorder in Sonoma County is an appropriate 
opportunity to honor her for her 24 years of successful leadership in 
this position. Bernice was the first woman to hold the Recorder's 
position and is the most senior department head in the County. She will 
be the last Recorder in the State of California; this office will now 
be combined with another county office as is the case around the State.
  Ms. Peterson began working for Sonoma county in 1973 and was 
appointed to serve as Recorder in 1977. She won election for six 
additional terms. During that time she has transformed the Recorder's 
Office into a state of the art electronic operation with a staff 
dedicated to friendly and efficient public service. Ms. Peterson was 
the guiding force behind the establishment of the County's records 
management division, and her work has preserved and restored valuable 
historical records of Sonoma's illustrious past.
  A nationally recognized leader in a variety of organizations that 
promote records management and preservation, Ms. Peterson's skills have 
had an impact beyond Sonoma county. Her community service involvement 
includes the Soroptomists Club, League of Women Voters, United Way, 
Sonoma County Museum, Salvation Army Advisory Board, and Women's 
History Month projects. Mr. Speaker, Bernice Peterson's career is a 
model of the importance of commitment and high quality work performed 
with good humor and skill for the benefit of many.

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