[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO CAROL SILVA

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                       HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 15, 2008

  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Georgia's 
3rd Congressional District, I'd like to extend my congratulations to 
Carol Silva, named the 2007 Harris County Citizen of the Year by the 
county's newspaper.
  Silva dedicated 20 years to serving the people of Harris County and 
retired recently from her post as county manager. During Silva's 
tenure, she provided the county with a steady and patient hand of 
leadership at a time of exponential population growth.
  Before Harris County fell in love with Carol Silva, Carol Silva and 
her family fell in love with Harris County. The Silvas decided to plant 
roots in Harris when her husband began working for the National Weather 
Service in neighboring Muscogee County. They bought property there 30 
years ago and enrolled their children in the local elementary schools. 
Then, 20 years ago, she became the receptionist for the Harris County 
Commission.
  Silva's dedication and people skills quickly led to greater 
responsibilities. She became the county clerk and chief financial 
officer in 1992 and then the county manager in 1999.
  In addition to providing Harris with leadership, she steadfastly 
advocated for her employees. County Clerk Nancy McMichael worked for 
Silva for 15 years. Speaking of her boss, she told the Harris County 
Journal: ``She is honest and ethical and treated everyone with 
integrity and forthrightness. You always knew where you stood with her, 
and her door was always open for employees and citizens alike.''
  Harris County Commission Chairman echoed that praise, saying that 
Silva put ``her heart and soul in her job.''
  Madam Speaker, I would like to personally thank Carol Silva for her 
many years of public service. As an elected official, I know it is 
often the professional staff working behind the scenes who meet the 
day-to-day needs of Georgians. They don't do it for glory and they 
don't do it for riches. They do it because they care and they want to 
help their fellow citizens.
  Carol Silva's career with Harris County exemplifies the best of 
public service. I congratulate her on this honor and I wish her much 
happiness in her retirement.

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