[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 12, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E159-E160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RUSSELL J. ``RUSTY'' HAMMER: HONORING A LIFETIME OF SERVING THE 
                               COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2008

  Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, my many years of public service have been 
enhanced by contact with talented community leaders representing 
numerous organizations and every part of the political spectrum. Among 
them, Russell J. ``Rusty'' Hammer--former President and CEO of the Los 
Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce--stood out.
  Rusty died in late January at the young age of 54, succumbing to a 
rare form of leukemia that he had been fighting with characteristic 
courage and grace since 2003. He is survived by his wife Pamela and 
children Gerald and Jennifer.
  Rusty Hammer's career was marked by early political success with his 
election, at age 18, to the Campbell, California City Council--making 
him the youngest elected official in U.S. history at that time. Three 
years later, he was selected as mayor, making him one of the youngest 
American mayors ever. In 1982, he retired from politics, began a 
distinguished career in the private sector, and never looked back.

[[Page E160]]

  In 2001, following 7 years as CEO of the Sacramento Metropolitan 
Chamber of Commerce, Rusty grabbed the reins of the Los Angeles 
Chamber. Under his skilled leadership, the LA Chamber was transformed 
into a thriving and profitable organization--the ``go-to'' group for 
area entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes.
  Rusty was also a passionate advocate for the least fortunate, and 
understood that good schools and a healthy environment are fundamental 
to the Los Angeles area's appeal.
  Rusty's insatiable spirit was evident during his battle with cancer. 
He published a book--``When Cancer Calls Say Yes to Life''--which he 
said he wrote to help others struggling with the disease.
  Madam Speaker, Rusty Hammer touched many lives. He will be missed.

                          ____________________