[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO HENRY J. MELLO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2001

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Henry 
J. Mello, a native of Watsonville, California. Mr. Mello has worked for 
many years as a public servant and he has made significant 
contributions to the Central Coast of California.
  Mr. Mello was born on March 24,1923, and studied at Hartnell College 
in Salinas. Working with his father, Mr. Mello established a farming 
business in 1940. He founded the Mello Packing Company and later, the 
Central Industrial Sales Company.
  In the mid-1950's, Mr. Mello became active in many local charitable 
and nonprofit organizations. He became more deeply involved in public 
service in 1966 when he was elected to the Santa Cruz County Board of 
Supervisors, on which he served until 1974. Two years later, Mr. Mello 
was elected to the California State Assembly. During his tenure lasting 
two terms, Mr. Mello was Chairman of the Committee on Aging and also an 
influential member of the Ways and Means Committee. In 1980, Mr. Mello 
was elected to the State Senate, where he served on the Senate Rules 
Committee and was elected Majority Whip. He retired from the California 
State Senate in December 1996.
  Some of Mr. Mello's greatest contributions have been to the 
environment and educational community of the Central Coast. He played 
an integral role in the creation of the Monterey Bay National Marine 
Sanctuary. He worked to preserve open spaces and develop the 
agriculture industry on the Central Coast. Mr. Mello was also 
instrumental in the founding of the University of California, Santa 
Cruz. He recently donated his extensive personal papers to the Regional 
History Project of the university's library, which will allow others 
the opportunity to learn from his work.
  Mr. Mello's public service has improved the quality of life on the 
Central Coast and in the state of California. He has made great 
contributions to his family, friends, and neighbors, and his lifelong 
dedication to public service is commendable. It is a pleasure to 
express my appreciation of his effort and accomplishments.

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