[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 21 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO CYNTHIA MATHEWS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2006

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of rising this evening to 
honor Cynthia Mathews, a dedicated member of our community who recently 
retired after 40 years of service with Planned Parenthood Mar Monte 
organization. I have had the pleasure of working with Cynthia for many 
of those years and I can attest to her commitment to our community as 
well as her steadfast support of civil liberties that will continue to 
protect women's health.
  In 1965, Cynthia began her involvement with Planned Parenthood as a 
volunteer in San Diego County. She later served as both staff and board 
member of the organization. She was instrumental in ensuring the well-
being of young mothers by organizing an abortion referral service to 
Mexico prior to the Therapeutic Abortion Act of 1967.
  After moving to Santa Cruz in 1970, Cynthia was instrumental in 
forming Planned Parenthood of Santa Cruz County, where she served as 
the agency's first executive director. After a brief absence during 
which she gave birth to her second child, she rejoined the organization 
in 1979. Cynthia guided the growing affiliate to eventually become part 
of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, a network that includes much of 
California and Nevada. Officially, she was a part-time public affairs 
staff member, however, all who know her were aware that she worked well 
beyond her outlined duties. Cynthia actively built coalitions, engaged 
volunteers, sustained Planned Parenthood's community presence, and 
protected the civil liberties and health of her community.
  Beyond Planned Parenthood, Cynthia's outstanding reputation as a 
public figure and liberal activist is strengthened by her tireless 
dedication to the City of Santa Cruz. Ms. Mathews has served as a city 
council member, a founding member of the Downtown Neighbors 
Association, a member of the Planning Commission and Zoning Board, a 
participant in Vision Santa Cruz, a cochair of the Santa Cruz High 
Centennial Campaign, and a volunteer on four successful election 
campaigns for schools and municipal revenues. She now holds the seat of 
Mayor of Santa Cruz. Through her involvement in these organizations she 
has positively affected the quality of life for many residents in our 
community. She is an ideal role model for those who seek to create 
change through activism and I am honored to have worked with her 
throughout the many positions she has held. Though Cynthia has retired 
from her official position with Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, her 
position as Mayor will allow me to continue to work with her to support 
and strengthen our community and ensure that women have safe access to 
quality reproductive healthcare.
  Mr. Speaker, in a time where women's health and medical care is 
threatened by budget deficits and a conservative agenda, I am immensely 
thankful for Cynthia's selfless service. I am confident that her legacy 
will continue as the women she has mentored take up the torch and 
encourage a new generations of voters to honor their promise to 
America's women.

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