[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF HERSCHEL ELKINS

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                          HON. JACKIE SPEIER-

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2008

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, the consumers of California and our nation 
will lose their premier protector when Herschel Elkins retires from the 
California Attorney General's Office this month. Mr. Elkins has devoted 
his entire career to public service and protecting California's 
consumers. He is the most senior attorney and longest-serving employee 
in the AG's office, having celebrated his 50th anniversary in December, 
2006.
  Herschel Elkins received his J.D. from UCLA in 1956 and began work 
the same year as a Deputy Attorney General, where he served briefly in 
the criminal section before transferring to the civil division. 
Following the Watts riots in 1965, a report commissioned by Governor 
Pat Brown cited a contributing factor as frustration in the community 
with merchants taking unfair advantage of the poor. The legislature 
acted by bolstering the Attorney General's nascent Consumer Fraud Unit 
and Mr. Elkins was appointed to lead the effort, a position he occupied 
until 2004 when he was appointed Special Assistant Attorney General for 
Consumer Policy, Coordination and Development.
  During his long tenure with the Consumer Law Section, Herschel used 
all the arrows in his quiver--litigation, legislation and education--to 
protect the rights of consumers and push California to the forefront of 
consumer protection. Mr. Elkins drafted or shepherded many of our 
state's vital consumer protection laws, including anti-pyramid 
statutes, the establishment of the Bureau of Auto Repair, laws 
providing for a ``cooling off period'' for home solicitations, and 
mandating civil penalties for unfair competition. As a litigator, Mr. 
Elkins has represented the Attorney General in more than 150 appellate 
cases. He has also publicized the Section's work and educated the 
public about their rights on hundreds of radio and television programs.
  Madam Speaker it was a distinct privilege to work side-by-side with 
Herschel on consumer issues during my time in the California 
legislature. His knowledge, passion and creativity improved every piece 
of legislation he reviewed and made those of us whose names were on the 
bills look that much smarter. I am just one of hundreds of legislators 
who owe him a sincere debt of gratitude.
  After so many years looking after the public welfare, Herschel and 
Miriam, his wife of 48 years, will enjoy a retirement devoted to their 
inspiring and growing family. They will travel to Israel, New York and 
Pennsylvania to spend time with their three sons, David, Jeremy and 
Joel and their families. Herschel, known as much for his storytelling 
ability as his legal brilliance, will entertain his grandchildren and, 
no doubt, pass along his commitment to community and his profound sense 
of justice. Our state's loss is the Elkins family's well-earned gain.
  But Madam Speaker, a dedicated public servant like Herschel Elkins 
doesn't just walk away from his life's work. Something tells me that 
Herschel will make himself available to members of the Consumer Law 
Section and others devoted to the public good who seek his help and 
guidance.
  On behalf of the many millions of protected consumers in the State of 
California, I ask that the United States House of Representatives join 
me in saluting Mr. Herschel Elkins for his long career devoted to 
protecting and guaranteeing a vibrant, just and equitable marketplace.




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