[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO LAWRENCE E. HORNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2006

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lawrence E. 
Horner for his civic and philanthropic service to the residents of the 
Conejo and San Fernando Valleys. Seventy-six years young, Larry is a 
proud veteran, an accomplished businessman, and dedicated public 
servant.
  Larry has served as my senior district advisor since November 1997, 
and will be retiring at the end of this month. He has been an 
invaluable asset to me and to my constituents. His knowledge of issues 
ranging from economic development to military and veterans affairs has 
been crucial to helping me better serve my constituents. I will miss 
his depth of experience, leadership, and personal charm.
  Larry's extensive knowledge of the Conejo Valley has been an 
invaluable asset. I consulted extensively with Larry when working to 
protect and expand the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational 
Area. His advice and experience were critical to my successful efforts 
to defend this irreplaceable natural resource.
  Mr. Speaker, Larry received his bachelor's and master's degrees in 
Science from Indiana University. His studies were interrupted while he 
served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
  In 1954, Larry was discharged from the Army and met and married Betty 
Thurman. Happily married for more than 50 years, they have raised three 
children and contributed countless hours volunteering in their 
community.
  In 1960, Larry and Betty moved to Southern California where he worked 
in the aerospace and defense industry for Lockheed, Litton, and finally 
as a Vice-President of Northrop in Newbury Park.
  In 1973, Larry began his career in politics by winning a seat on the 
Thousand Oaks City Council. He served on the Council for more than 16 
years. During that period, his fellow Council Members asked him to 
serve as Mayor for an unprecedented five terms.
  While serving as Mayor and Council member, Larry helped solidify a 
sound economic base for the city. He also established senior citizen 
facilities, teen programs, increased the city's supply of affordable 
housing and helped lower the crime rate. All of his efforts resulted in 
an improved quality of life for Conejo Valley residents.
  Mr. Speaker, all of us in this House are dependent on the dedication 
and hard work of our staffs. When I was elected to represent the 24th 
Congressional District in 1996, I knew I would need an outstanding and 
popular leader in the Conejo Valley to head my Thousand Oaks office. 
Larry accepted the challenge and was instrumental in ensuring that my 
constituents received the quality services they needed and deserved.
  Larry's hard work and dedicated service in that office and, following 
redistricting and the 2002 elections, as a member of my Sherman Oaks 
office staff, have been exemplary.
  Larry's accomplishments in business, politics, government, and 
community service are an impressive legacy. I will miss his service, 
but I look forward to his continuing friendship.

                          ____________________