[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 89 (Monday, June 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DONNA BLITZER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 25, 2001

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer tribute to 
one of those persons who toil endlessly, without complaint, and 
generally in the background, but who make some of the largest and most 
important contributions to our lives: our staff. In particular, I rise 
today to congratulate and thank my long-time staffer, Donna Blitzer, 
who, after nearly 20 (I'm sure in her eyes) l-o-n-g years, has decided 
to explore other career opportunities. Ms. Blitzer is now the Director 
of Government and Community Relations for the University of California, 
Santa Cruz.
  Donna began in my office when I was in the State Legislature, serving 
as one of my support staff. As I grew in elected office, she grew as 
staff and together we served as partners in many initiatives to improve 
and protect the quality of life on California's Central Coast which I 
represented then and continue to do so today. Throughout it all, Donna 
was my constant advisor and supporter, my advance and back up, my most 
loyal and trustworthy counsel. She was always there to put me back on 
track when my ideas de-railed, and to bring form to my vision. Most 
important, she protected my ethical and moral compass from ever going 
astray.
  Mr. Speaker, we all have good staff. They are the heart and soul of 
our public selves as we reach out to our constituents. But sometimes 
there is one who just gives so much to so many that it deserves our 
special acknowledgment and praise. Donna Blitzer is such a person.
  I will miss having her on my staff and at my side as I have for 20 
years. But I wish her well in her new job and know that her 
contribution to the public will still be appreciated, no matter where 
she finds herself.

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