[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF MR. ARNOLD FONTES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2005

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Arnold R. Fontes, 
who is retiring after 34 years as the San Benito County Assessor. His 
continuous re-election for over three decades speaks volumes for his 
ability and for the trust the people of this county placed in him.
  Mr. Fontes was raised in San Benito County and attended local 
schools. He joined the R.O.T.C. and graduated in 1955 from the 
University of Santa Clara with a degree in Business Administration, 
majoring in accounting. He served in Germany as an Army Artillery 
Officer, and met his wife, Helga, while stationed there.
  Upon returning to the United States he was employed by McCormick 
Selph as their Accounting Manager, and then with Protective Papers as 
Plant Manager and Controller. On September 1, 1970 Mr. Fontes was 
appointed Assessor of San Benito County, and ran unopposed for eight 
consecutive terms.
  Arnold Fontes played a significant role in the community during those 
years. His activities include 31 years with the Boy Scouts of America, 
serving as District Chairman and as Vice President of Special 
Assignments of the Monterey Bay Area Council. He was President of the 
California Assessors' Association in 1982 and Treasurer from 1983 to 
2000. He was a member of the San Benito Chamber of Commerce for 35 
years, including Director from 1972 to 1974. During his 32 years with 
the Hollister Rotary Club he served as President from 1979 to 1980, and 
received the Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Foundation of 
Rotary International. Currently, Mr. Fontes serves as Treasurer for the 
Community Foundation for San Benito County.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud Arnold Fontes's many accomplishments, and 
commend him for his tremendous devotion to his community. I join all of 
San Benito County in honoring this truly remarkable man for his 
lifelong achievements.

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