[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]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF SANDY LUCAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2008

  Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, it is with the greatest pleasure that I 
rise today to honor a woman who has become a fixture in local politics 
in my District. Sandy Lucas is not an elected official or a paid 
political operative, but has become what can only be described as the 
voice of common sense in our community.
  After graduating from the University of Arizona, with a bachelor's 
degree in history, Sandy began her career in public service in 1974 as 
Director of the Counseling Job Corps in San Jose. In 1975, she became 
Director of Polydrug Abuse and Heroin Detox for Santa Clara County. By 
1976, Sandy had obtained her license as a Marriage and Family 
Therapist. She currently serves as the Director of Family and Probate 
for Stanislaus County.
  While Sandy's list of professional achievements is lengthy, it is her 
accomplishments as a volunteer on local government boards that make her 
the ``go to'' person when gauging the pulse of the community. As a 
member of the Modesto School Bond Committee, she worked to successfully 
pass much needed school bonds. She has served for 6 years on the 
Stanislaus County Commission on Aging, and most recently acted as a 
member of the Modesto City Charter Review Committee, working hard to 
update antiquated rules governing a city of more than 200,000.
  Sandy Lucas has also been active on a statewide level with the 
Democratic Party. She spent several years as a California Democratic 
Party Regional Director, ensuring the voice of California's Central 
Valley was heard by party leaders.
  Being heard has never been a problem for Sandy Lucas. Her quick wit, 
tempered reactions, and oh so colorful responses to various occurrences 
in our community have garnered the respect of area leaders. Sandy's 
training as a mediator has served her well in politics and given her 
the ability to see highly divisive issues from every angle, thus 
bringing workable solutions to the table.
  On May 2, 2008, Sandy will receive the coveted Liberty Bell Award 
from the Stanislaus County Bar Association for all of the 
aforementioned reasons. Sandy has been a gem to our community, and I am 
honored, Madam Speaker, to have this opportunity to thank her for her 
selfless service and wish her the very best in continued community 
involvement.

                          ____________________