[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 117 (Friday, September 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING ``MOTHER FAIRFAX'' MARTHA PENNINO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2004

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia.  Mr. Speaker, on September 17th, Fairfax 
County, Virginia lost one of its most important and influential 
citizens when Martha Pennino, known as ``Mother Fairfax'', passed away. 
Through her leadership, Mrs. Pennino helped oversee the development of 
Fairfax County into one of the most prosperous and diverse 
jurisdictions in the Nation.
  From 1968 to 1991 Martha Pennino served on the Fairfax County Board 
of Supervisors, including 17 years as the Vice Chairman. As the 
representative of the Centreville District, Mrs. Pennino worked 
tirelessly for her constituents. During her tenure she was involved in 
most of the major decisions affecting the County, and was instrumental 
in seeing Reston develop into a successful planned community. Her work 
also saw the development of projects including the Dulles Toll Road, 
South Lakes High School, and the Reston Regional Library. She helped 
create a sense of community for all those living in her district.
  Martha Pennino will best be remembered by the citizens of Fairfax 
County for her commitment to the poor and homeless in her community. 
She opened her office at night for people without a home and provided 
them a bed and a warm place to rest. She created a homeless shelter in 
her district and ensured that with the enormous development occurring 
in Fairfax County there would be low-cost housing options for those who 
needed it. Martha Pennino also helped establish the Fairfax County 
Human Rights Commission to help fight discrimination throughout the 
County. While Fairfax County grew, she wanted to ensure that every 
person could be a part of this vibrant community.
  In honor of her work to help all the residents of Fairfax County and 
for being an instrumental part in the growth of the County, I ask that 
the Reston Post Office be named after Martha Pennino. It is imperative 
that we honor and remember this remarkable woman.

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