[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 155 (Monday, October 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MS. JANE DECKER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 15, 2007

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise, not only for 
myself, but also on behalf of Congress Members Anna Eshoo and Mike 
Honda, to honor Ms. Jane Decker who is retiring after 35 years of 
dedicated and honorable service in county government.
  The County of Santa Clara encompasses what is popularly known as 
Silicon Valley. While the rest of the nation may speak of ``Googling'' 
or ``Podcasting'' as tech tools, those of us lucky enough to live there 
tend to regard the companies who invented those terms as neighbors, 
employers and members of the community.
  Known internationally as the high tech center of the universe, Santa 
Clara County's people are diverse. In addition to those who are highly 
successful, the County also encompasses individuals who face challenges 
from life. It is especially those persons upon whom County government 
focuses. Jane Decker, in her long service to the County, helped make 
sure that as the County's people celebrated success, they did not 
forget those who suffered, whether from poverty, health troubles or 
tragedies. Jane Decker, with her high degree of professionalism, ethics 
and knowledge helped craft the strategies that allowed the government 
of Santa Clara County to meet its challenges successfully.
  While Congressman Honda and I served on the County Board of 
Supervisors, we had the pleasure of working closely with Ms. Decker. We 
appreciated her outstanding service then. In the roles we three Members 
of Congress play, each of us can attest to the high degree of 
intelligence, caring and dedication Ms. Decker has exhibited in her 
professional life.
  Jane Decker joined the County of Santa Clara in 1979 as the Director 
of Intergovernmental Relations. Because of her demonstrable leadership 
qualities, she has been promoted several times until her most recent 
post as Deputy County Executive.
  In addition to her professional commitments, Jane Decker is a 
committed and valued volunteer for several prominent organizations in 
the County of Santa Clara.
  We collectively extend our thanks to Ms. Decker for her years of 
excellent service and wish her the best upon her retirement and this 
new phase in her life. She has served the people of Santa Clara County 
well.

                          ____________________