[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 16, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S4614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF REPRESENTATIVE TINA FALLON

  Mr. CARPER. Mr. President. I rise today to recognize Representative 
Evelyn K. ``Tina'' Fallon upon her retirement from Delaware's House of 
Representatives after more than 28 years of dedicated public service. 
Known to friends and colleagues alike as ``Tina,'' she is a woman with 
a kind heart, diverse interests and great abilities. Tina embodies the 
best of Delaware.
  Born in Dudley, NC, on September 16, 1917, Tina has experienced 
firsthand the many changes that Delaware has undergone over the years 
and this level of experience will be difficult, if not impossible, to 
replace.
  A longtime resident of Seaford, DE, Tina holds a bachelor of arts 
degree from Meredith College, located in Raleigh, NC, and a master's 
degree in education from the University of Delaware. She married her 
husband, James D. Fallon, Jr., in 1938, and they had four children 
together. After James' passing in 1982, Tina continued to raise their 
sons, George, James, William and Howard.
  Before winning her first campaign when she was 61 years old, an age 
when many public servants are ready to retire, Tina worked for more 
than 25 years as an educator teaching math and science at Seaford High 
School. This experience has allowed her to speak with authority about 
Delaware's education system and the many issues that affect Delaware's 
young people.
  Often recognized as the oldest member of the State legislature, Tina 
brought a wealth of knowledge to Delaware's House of Representatives 
along with energy and enthusiasm that belied her age. Her life 
experience gave her an understanding of faith and family values that 
transcended party slogans and struck an authentic chord in her 
constituents and everyone who had the pleasure of calling her their 
friend.
  Representative Fallon quickly became known as one of Delaware's most 
approachable and hardestworking public officials. Her keen intellect 
and commonsense approach to problem-solving helped her serve her 
constituents and make Delaware a better place for us all.
  Tina also served as a mentor for incoming members of Delaware's House 
of Representatives. Her positive attitude and boundless energy set a 
high standard for her colleagues to follow. A firm believer in 
acknowledging the hard work and accomplishments of her constituents, 
Tina was often seen visiting homes and businesses throughout the 39 
district while delivering House tributes to those who deserved them.
  During my time as Governor, I had the honor of naming Representative 
Fallon as the ``Travel and Tourism Person of the Year'' in 1998 for her 
outstanding work to promote and develop Delaware's tourism industry. 
Delaware's economic health and many small businesses are better off 
because of her efforts to promote the first State's historical and 
natural attractions. Also in 1998, she was honored by the National 
Republican Legislators Association as a ``1998 Legislator of the 
Year.'' She was one of only 10 people across the Nation to receive this 
honor.
  As a member of the influential Joint Finance Committee, 
Representative Fallon helped shape Delaware's multibillion dollar 
annual operating budget. Her ability to work with members of both 
parties made her an invaluable participant in figuring out how best to 
fund the current and future needs of Delaware. Tina also chairs the 
House Tourism Committee and is a member of five other committees as 
well.
  Following her retirement, Tina plans to spend time with her children 
and grandchildren. After such a distinguished career serving the people 
of Delaware, I am certain that many will agree with me when I say that 
her retirement is well deserved. I thank Tina for her friendship, 
applaud her service, and wish her and her family only the very best in 
all that lies ahead for them.

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