[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 4, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING BOBBIE AND DON CASSANO

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                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 4, 2008

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker I rise today to recognize the 
achievements of two outstanding people from my hometown, Tempe, 
Arizona--Don and Bobbie Cassano. My pride in their contributions is 
magnified because I also count them among my friends.
  The Tempe Chamber of Commerce recently presented them with the 2008 
Spirit of Tempe Award during the annual Breakfast for Chamber Champions 
on February 29th. This award recognized business people who ``go above 
and beyond''.
  The soul of any community is its people, and Don and Bobbie Cassano 
have epitomized the spirit that makes Tempe such an outstanding 
community. I am pleased that their outstanding efforts for our 
community have been formally recognized by the Tempe Chamber.
  Don and Bobbie wasted no time in getting involved in their community 
when they moved to Tempe thirty four years ago. It is easy to assume 
that this was strictly a team effort, but Don and Bobbie have each made 
significant individual contributions as well.
  Bobbie has served as president of Tempe Leadership, the Tempe/Kyrene 
Communities in Schools and the Tempe Governors. She was a founder of 
the Communities in Schools group. She has also served on the Tempe 
Community Council Board of Directors, the Tempe Connections Advisory 
Council and the Tempe Citizens Corps Council.
  Don has also served as President of a number of organizations, 
including Friendship Village of Tempe, Arizona Clean and Beautiful and 
the Tempe Nuevo Kiwanis Club. He has chaired the Valley Business 
Council and Valley Forward Association. I am also proud to have served 
with him during the time he was a member of the Tempe City Council, 
from 1984-1993.
  Together they joined forces to help pass a transit tax in Tempe which 
goes toward improving public transportation, including the light rail 
system which starts running this year. In addition, it funds expanded 
bicycle paths, and a free neighborhood circulator bus to help increase 
ridership on public transportation.
  I can't think of two people who are more deserving of this award, and 
I say congratulations for a job well done.




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