[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 39 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E587-E588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING POLLY ANN GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2005

  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, on March 28, 2005, my community of southern 
Nevada lost one of its most outstanding citizens. Polly Ann Gonzalez 
was taken from us in a highway accident, a tragic event that shocked 
the community. Southern Nevadans by the thousands have expressed their 
sense of loss and their loving memories of Polly through their e-mails 
of condolence, their attendance at memorial services, and their 
contributions in support of Polly's daughters, Sabrina and Gabriella.
  The passing of Polly Gonzalez is a heart-rending instance of the good 
dying young, far too young. In her mere 43 years, Polly attained the 
highest levels of accomplishment, both as a newswoman and as an 
advocate for people in need.
  Polly first earned the reputation as a top-notch television 
investigative reporter in northern California, exposing the social and 
economic injustices faced by agricultural workers and by revealing the 
growing threat of gang violence, among other important stories she 
brought to light. Honored with an Emmy Award, Polly moved on to Las 
Vegas, where she quickly established herself as one of the area's most 
popular, admired, and energetic television news anchors.
  Polly's passion for bringing truth to the public through her 
reporting was matched by her commitment to public service. She 
established herself as a most effective advocate for the advancement of 
the Latino community and for the less advantaged. She went beyond the 
call of duty to be involved in community organizations and events, 
accepting myriad requests for her time, her talent, and her energy to 
support the people of the Las Vegas area.
  As was stated on KLAS-TV8, where Polly worked for 10 years, she 
``always was . . . standing up for people whose voices might not have 
carried as much weight as hers.'' She was a preeminent role model for 
young women, whom she showed, ``if they put their mind to it they could 
accomplish anything.''
  Polly's passing has brought an overwhelming and nearly unprecedented 
outpouring of emotion from those who knew her personally or knew her 
only through her newscasts. I join all southern Nevadans in mourning 
the loss of a great friend, a great newswoman, and a great contributor 
to the building of a community with opportunity for all. I miss you, 
Polly, and I thank you, my

[[Page E588]]

friend, for the treasured moments I shared with you, for your soaring 
spirit, and for the marvelous work you accomplished.

                          ____________________