[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 26 (Friday, February 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING MICHELE ``MISSY'' MANDELL ON HER SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE 
                                OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 15, 2008

  Mr. CONAWAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank and commend Mrs. 
Michele ``Missy'' Mandell for her dedication to the people of central 
Texas. For the past 19 years Missy has worked at the Lower Colorado 
River Authority, LCRA, most recently as the executive manager of 
Federal affairs. She departs at the end of this month, but leaves a 
legacy of tireless work to meet the needs of the communities in the 58 
counties where the LCRA operates.
  Missy served as a liaison to the myriad of stakeholders in public 
water service and power generation, including local communities, 
Federal agencies, industry organizations, and elected officials, such 
as myself. No matter the issue, she was always able to navigate the 
complex web of laws, rules, and regulations to help LCRA provide 
services to its clients. I was fortunate to work with her here in 
Washington and always found her to be a valuable partner in solving the 
critical issues facing my constituents. It is likely that the customers 
of LCRA do not know Missy Mandell, but they all owe her a great debt 
for her work on their behalf.
  In addition to her constant work for the LCRA, Missy also found time 
to give back to her community. She has donated her time and 
considerable experience by serving on the board of directors for the 
Children's Advocacy Council; the advisory board of the LBJ Liberal Arts 
and Sciences Academy; and the city of Austin's Environmental Board and 
the Charter Revision Council. Through her selfless giving, the city of 
Austin is a better place.
  I am certain that Missy will prosper in her new career; she has the 
drive, experience, and intellect to thrive in whatever she chooses. The 
LCRA is not merely losing a long-serving employee, but a passionate 
advocate, a tireless consensus-builder, and ever-optimistic citizen, 
always seeking to improve the lives of those she worked for. It has 
been my pleasure to know and work with Mrs. Missy Mandell and I offer 
her my best wishes and prayers, safe in the knowledge that God will 
smile on her future endeavors.

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