[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 20, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S3341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         BOB FERRARO RETIREMENT

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the longest 
serving current elected official in southern Nevada, Boulder City, NV--
Mayor Robert Stanley ``Bob'' Ferraro. Later this spring, Bob will 
retire after 31 years of dedicated public service.
  For three decades, Bob has been a civic leader, kind neighbor, and 
levelheaded voice in the politically active and dynamic community he 
has called home since 1970. For 17 years, Bob served on the Boulder 
City Council. Later, he was elevated to serve the city as its mayor. In 
1999, he became the first mayor directly elected by the people of 
Boulder City. During each campaign, he proudly knocked on every door in 
town--a feat he accomplished seven times.
  During his time in public service, Bob has presided over Boulder City 
in an era of unprecedented growth, expanding from 7,800 residents in 
1976 to more than 15,000 today. The community Bob calls home is one of 
those unique places in America that has managed to maintain its 
distinctive identity in the face of massive change. Throughout the last 
three decades of unparalleled growth in southern Nevada, Bob Ferraro 
has stood alongside Boulder City residents to fiercely defend limited 
growth policies that have preserved this special place.
  Located just 20 miles from Las Vegas, Boulder City was built by the 
Bureau of Reclamation during the Great Depression as a housing complex 
for workers building nearby Hoover Dam. While the original residents 
flocked to Boulder City seeking opportunity, modern times have seen 
generations of families choosing to reside in this city on the shore of 
Lake Mead for its superb quality of life, access to outdoor recreation, 
and sense of community.
  This sense of community can be attributed, in part, to Bob's hard 
work. As mayor, Bob encouraged the development of parks and recreation 
areas throughout Boulder City. These parks affect the lives of all 
residents, young and old. From youth sports leagues to adult 
recreational programs, Boulder City's park system has allowed all 
residents to continue to enjoy the smalltown feel that makes this city 
unique.
  Throughout his time serving the Boulder City community, Bob never 
forgot that he was a part of the community. He is a past President of 
the Boulder City Rotary Club and was named the 1980 Rotarian of the 
Year. He also served as president of the Nevada League of Cities in 
1985 and was named Nevada Public Official of the Year in 1986.
  His leadership, sincerity, and poise will be missed. I am honored to 
pay tribute to Bob Ferraro as he prepares to complete his distinguished 
service to Boulder City and Nevada. I wish him and his wife Connie, his 
three children, and eight grandchildren much happiness for the future. 
Southern Nevada is truly a better place because of Bob.

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