[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 29, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO HERB TOBMAN

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of Herb 
Tobman, who passed away on Tuesday. Herb was from a different era of 
Las Vegas. The town was a lot smaller then, and everyone knew him as a 
successful businessman and a community leader. What impressed me most 
about Herb though was his quiet generosity that impacted the lives of 
countless Nevadans. I know that Las Vegas would not be the place it is 
today without Herb Tobman.
  I first saw Herb as a preteenager at Squires Park ballfield. He 
played fast-pitch softball in the Horseshoe Club championship league 
with my brother Dale. His athletic accomplishments were widely known: 
Herb was a high school all star in every sport. He was a champion 
handball and racquetball player, and later he went on to play 
professional basketball.
  Herb was born in the Bronx in 1924. In the 1950s, Herb moved to Las 
Vegas, where he secured a $1,200 loan. This small sum allowed Herb to 
open City Furniture Exchange, the first used furniture store in Las 
Vegas. The business thrived, and it was a Las Vegas landmark for more 
than 25 years.
  His success as a businessman led Herb to start Western Cab Company in 
1965. Herb started with one cab, and ended with more than 134 taxicabs 
and 355 employees.
  Soon after, Herb took his business acumen to the gaming industry. He 
was an associate of Moe Dalitz, the developer of the original Desert 
Inn Hotel and Casino. Herb helped develop the Sundance Hotel and Casino 
in downtown Las Vegas. Before the modern Las Vegas casinos were built, 
the Sundance was the tallest building on the Las Vegas skyline. In 
addition to these accomplishments, Herb also managed the Marina, 
Fremont, Aladdin, and Stardust resorts. Herb was known throughout the 
industry for his kindness and generosity to his employees.
  In addition to his business accomplishments, Herb was also an active 
participant in Nevada politics. In 1986, he ran in the Democratic 
gubernatorial primary against incumbent Richard Bryan. Instead of using 
his wealth to fuel his political aspirations, Herb limited 
contributions to $10 per individual. Needless to say, those limits put 
him at a competitive disadvantage, but Herb still managed to receive 
more than 15 percent of the primary vote. The vote total is a testament 
to Herb's reputation throughout the state.
  Accomplishments in business and politics would be enough for some 
men, but it was not enough for Herb. From an early age, Herb learned 
the importance of giving back to his community. Herb never sought 
recognition for his efforts, but he impacted almost every life in 
southern Nevada.
  Every year, during the holidays, Herb anonymously fed hundreds of 
homeless individuals in Las Vegas. He helped local children with their 
college expenses, and he helped people who were down on their luck. No 
challenge was too great. If Herb knew you needed help, he was there to 
provide it oftentimes unknown to his beneficiaries. I needed help on 
several occasions, and Herb was always available. Herb was my friend 
and I will miss him very much.
  There are many successful individuals throughout Nevada, but very few 
had the sense of community of Herb Tobman. Nevada is a better place 
because of Herb.




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