[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 167 (Wednesday, December 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2217-E2218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MS. DEBBIE TAMLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2001

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the House to 
congratulate and call attention to one of Colorado's truly outstanding 
citizens. Ms. Debbie Tamlin of Fort Collins, Colorado, this week, has 
been named Realtor of the Year by her peers and colleagues of the Fort 
Collins Board of Realtors, a commendation she richly deserves for a 
variety of reasons. Debbie is a true professional who never lets up 
until her clients are well served. Her standard is excellence, and her 
dedication to her profession is legendary.
  Debbie is proprietor and president of her own firm ZTI Group. She has 
been a real estate broker in Colorado for over twenty years, and 
president ZTI Group since 1989. Recently she was awarded for her work 
receiving the Distinguished Service Award twice from the Colorado 
Association of Realtors (CAR), and the 2001 Political Service Award 
from CAR.
  Debbie is a familiar face at the Colorado State Capitol, at the 
County Courthouse, at City Hall, and even here in the nation's Capitol. 
She is clearly my community's most forceful and most competent advocate 
for the improvement of laws to benefit consumers and to build a 
stronger, healthier community. As one who for thirteen years has been 
on the receiving end of Debbie's lobbying, I can tell you, she's not to 
twist arms, make threats, or mislead. She's a skilled negotiator, a 
brilliant intellectual, and an honorable decent woman whose word is her 
bond, and whose integrity precedes her. Of course she's persuasive. 
Many of the best laws related to property rights and housing at the 
federal, state, and local level have only been accomplished because of 
Debbie Tamlin's devotion to her community and her profession.
  Debbie Tamlin is a political activist. She's backed me in each of my 
efforts to represent Colorado, and I humbly warrant I would not have 
succeeded were if not for her assistance. In fact, there are many 
leaders in office today who owe their election victories to Debbie. 
Conversely, there are many aspirants whose political ambitions have 
been dashed because of Debbie * * * well, let's just say because Debbie 
didn't see things exactly their way.
  Mr. Speaker, Coloradans know and appreciate Debbie Tamlin's numerous 
achievements, but to me, Debbie is a close friend, one I've known since 
I first arrived in Colorado. She's a devoted mother, a pious believer, 
and one of the most honorable people I've ever met. Whenever there is a 
cause. Debbie is there to be its champion. Whenever there is a need, 
Debbie is there to help. Whenever there is a challenge, Debbie is there 
to face it. She's a profile in courage, a heroine of endless 
generosity, and a loyal friend to many.
  Debbie Tamlin is an authentic American and an enthusiastic patriot. 
She loves the West and all its traditions. She embodies the spirit of 
freedom and the hope of a brighter tomorrow; and she inspires all 
around her to achieve great things that once seemed only distant 
dreams. She's a leader--one whose mark on her community is unmistakable 
and always positive--the kind of leader who makes her friends and 
neighbors proud, sets the bar high, and leaves us in awe. She is 
respected across the country and beyond even that. Her passion for 
excellence in her professional life and personal life make her 
extraordinary. She is a splendid woman.
  Mr. Speaker, it's difficult for any of us to describe the essence of 
a particular State. Colorado, for example, is known for many things--a 
rich history, rugged mountains, wild majestic skies and hard-working 
people. Debbie Tamlin is the face of Colorado. Her life's work embodies 
the qualities we all admire. She's a loving wife, a caring mother, and 
gentle soul and impressive figure in Colorado's bright future.
  I am grateful for our colleagues from throughout the nation who join 
us tonight in expressing our warmest commendations and congratulations 
to Debbie. She's more than the Realtor of the Year, she's Debbie 
Tamlin. May God continue to richly bless her and her family.

[[Page E2218]]



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