[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 88 (Monday, July 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1359]]
                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO ROBERT N. BROADBENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 10, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and 
accomplishments of my friend and mentor Robert N. Broadbent, a lifelong 
resident of Southern Nevada who dedicated his life to public service. 
Robert Broadbent passed away in August 2003, but he left a legacy of 
honor and integrity that will not be forgotten.
  Robert ``Bob'' Broadbent was born in Ely, Nevada on June 19, 1926. 
From a young age, his parents, N.E. ``Broadie'' and Hope Broadbent, 
instilled in him strong family values and a commitment to serving his 
community. Bob's father served as mayor of Ely for 16 years, and also 
served on the University Board of Regents and the State Pharmacy Board. 
During World War II, Bob served 2 years in the Army Air Corps. When he 
returned home, Bob attended the California Institute of Technology and 
the University of Nevada, Reno, before earning his bachelor of science 
degree in pharmacy from Idaho State University in 1950. Upon graduation 
from college, Bob began working at Rexall Drug in Boulder City, Nevada, 
and eventually purchased the drug store.
  On January 4, 1960, Boulder City was officially incorporated under 
the State of Nevada. The city charter called for an elected five-member 
council, which would then choose one of its members as mayor. Bob was 
elected a member of the city council, and was then appointed to be the 
first mayor of Boulder City. The post entitled him to a seat on the 
board of directors for the newly formed Las Vegas Convention and 
Visitors Authority LVCVA. Bob served on the LVCVA board for 20 years 
and spent 8 of those years as chairman. Bob remained on the Boulder 
City Council until 1968. By that time, his love for politics had 
prompted him to run for the Clark County Commission. He won, and served 
12 years on the Commission, representing a district that included 
Boulder City, Henderson and North Las Vegas. Bob also served as the 
Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary for Water and Science 
under President Ronald Reagan, and was Clark County Director of 
Aviation from 1987-97. During his tenure as Director of Aviation, 
McCarran International Airport became one of the Nation's 10 busiest 
airports in the United States.
  Though Bob served the State of Nevada with honor and distinction, his 
greatest legacy is his family. He and his wife Sue raised four 
children, Bob, Kathy, Doug and Michele, who became strong members of 
the southern Nevada community. They have 15 grandchildren and 5 great 
grandchildren.
  There are several lasting monuments that add to the legacy of Bob 
Broadbent, including the Las Vegas Monorail, which is named in his 
honor. On Tuesday, July 4, 2006, the city of Boulder City named a park 
for him. A bust of Bob Broadbent now stands at the corner of 5th Street 
and Avenue B, on the northwest corner of the newly dedicated Broadbent 
Park, formerly known as Central Park, or the Pool Park, as the 
residents of Boulder City know it.
  Bob's leadership was unsurpassed and his example was one of the 
driving forces behind my desire to be involved in public service. He 
was a valued friend who taught me a great deal about the political 
world and how to approach it with honor and integrity.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join with the people of Boulder City in 
paying tribute to Robert N. Broadbent on the floor of the House. His 
life stands as a tremendous example of leadership. He dedicated his 
life to enriching and improving our community and I am grateful for the 
legacy of service he left for the people of southern Nevada.

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