[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S13960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           COMMEMORATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF SANDY LEE AVANTS

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, today I rise to honor a woman who has 
dedicated herself to serving the people of Nevada and who has left a 
lasting impact through her work in government.
  Ms. Sandy Lee Avants was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. Following 
graduation from Arizona State University, she moved to Las Vegas. As a 
testament to Sandy's character, within the first month of her residence 
in Las Vegas, she immediately became involved in the local community 
through service clubs.
  Sandy has had success both in her professional life and in public 
service. Following a prosperous private business enterprise, she began 
her career in Nevada's government when Senator Richard Bryan was 
serving as Governor. Governor Bryan then appointed Sandy to be chairman 
of the State of Nevada's Commission on Ethics in 1983 and in 1986 
appointed her as the administrator of the Real Estate Division. In 
1987, Sandy became the first woman to head a State law enforcement 
agency when she became the administrator of the Taxicab Authority.
  Sandy's accomplishments came at a time when Nevada needed them the 
most. Her most recent appointment was to the Transportation Service 
Authority, TSA, in Nevada, where she served as the deputy commissioner, 
commissioner, and chairwoman. At TSA, she administered and enforced 
Nevada's law related to passenger transportation, household goods 
movement, and car towing companies. Additionally, she ensured that 
consumers utilizing these services were protected. Sandy has met the 
needs of a rapidly growing public and shown her professionalism and 
commitment to Nevada and its people.
  Those are a few of the many visible contributions that Sandy made to 
the community, but her most important contributions were made outside 
of the public eye. Sandy was a founding member and president of the 
Greater Las Vegas Women's League. She is also a founding member of the 
International Association of Transportation Regulators, and a Community 
Advisory Board at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. During her time 
in Nevada, Sandy enrolled in various courses at the National Judicial 
College and received certification as an administrative law judge and 
mentor. From 1999 through 2002, Sandy worked closely with me in 
Washington, DC, creating congressional legislation to improve 
transportation in Nevada.
  I have known Sandy for many years and recognize the many 
contributions she has made to the community. Sandy's hard work and 
character have left a lasting impression on our State and community.
  Sandy recently retired from the Nevada State government, but I am 
sure that she will continue working in public service through her 
numerous volunteer positions. The State of Nevada is fortunate to have 
Sandy Avants. I offer her my gratitude and wish her all the best as she 
embarks on new endeavors.

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