[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 74 (Tuesday, May 6, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND WORKS OF NANCI BURTON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2008

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise 
today to recognize the passing of one of our notable local officials 
and a pioneer in public service, former Santa Rosa Mayor Nanci Burton. 
Mayor Burton died of cancer last month, at the age of 65, leaving a 
legacy of goodwill and good works throughout the area.
  Nanci was the second woman to serve on the Santa Rosa City Council 
when she won her first election in 1984. She was elected mayor in 1986 
and again in 1991. She once said she entered public life at a time when 
women were asked such questions as, ``Sweetheart, do you really 
understand how a business operates?'' As the bookkeeper for her 
husband's business, she could answer with an honest and resounding, 
``Yes.''
  Nanci started her two decades of public service on the Santa Rosa 
planning commission and other boards. She believed that if you want 
change, you have to get involved.
  ``She was a fierce advocate for the city, the neighborhoods and all 
its citizens,'' said Dan Galvin, a friend who served on her first 
election campaign. ``She left her mark on projects and causes 
throughout the city.''
  Nanci was not only effective, with an impressive resume of 
accomplishments, but she was fun. ``What many people will remember most 
about Burton,'' notes the Press Democrat editorial, ``was her spirited 
participation in the job at hand, her hometown pride, the joy she took 
in her children and grandchildren--and her infectious laugh, which 
livened many dull meetings.''
  Madam Speaker, Nanci Burton was a treasure to the city of Santa Rosa 
and its surrounding areas. She will be greatly missed.

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