[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 12, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S3478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO TOM STONEBURNER

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the life and work 
of Tom Stoneburner, a Nevada labor leader who passed away on February 
21, 2005.
  A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Tom served as a deputy sheriff in 
Mono County, CA, before moving to Nevada in 1969. During his 36 years 
in Nevada, he became one of the most effective labor leaders in the 
State, fighting tirelessly on behalf of the working people of Nevada. 
As a casino security guard, he successfully organized union elections 
for guards at two Reno hotel casinos and later went on to serve as 
president of the United Plant Guard Workers.
  Tom was dedicated to helping all of Nevada's workers. That is why in 
1997 he formed the Alliance for Workers Rights, an organization 
expressly committed to advocating on behalf of workers in Nevada who 
had no union representation. Through his leadership of this 
organization, Tom successfully lobbied for strengthened State safety 
protections after several workers died in industrial accidents in 1998 
and 2001.
  His passion and determination in protecting the rights of Nevada's 
workers belied the soft-spoken and mild-mannered nature that many close 
to him have recalled since his passing. Tom's example has undoubtedly 
inspired many others who will carry on his work, including his wife 
Kathy who will continue his important work at the Alliance for Worker's 
Rights.
  Mr. President, please join me in recognizing Tom Stoneburner's 
contributions to Nevada workers and in sending condolences to Tom's 
family for their loss.

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