[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                IN HONOR OF SENATOR ALBERT STANLEY RODDA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 2010

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
life of former California State Senator Albert S. Rodda, who passed 
away on April 3, 2010 at the age of 97. He was a lifelong public 
servant whose example as a true leader will remain a guiding light for 
generations to come.
  Albert Stanley Rodda was born on July 23, 1912 in Sacramento, 
California. A lifelong Sacramentan, Senator Rodda graduated from 
Sacramento High School in 1929, attended Stanford University, then 
returned to Sacramento to teach at Grant Union High School. After 
serving as a gunnery officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II, 
Senator Rodda once again returned to Sacramento, this time to teach at 
Sacramento Junior College, now known as Sacramento City College. He 
returned to Stanford and earned his Ph.D. in history and economics in 
1951. Even after serving in the legislature, he continued his passion 
for education by teaching at California State University, Sacramento 
and by serving on the Los Rios Community College District Board of 
Trustees.
  Dedicated to both public service and education, Senator Rodda was a 
civic leader throughout his life. Before being elected into the 
California State Senate in 1958, he served as president of the Local 31 
of the California Federation of Teachers. While serving with the CFT, 
it became clear to him that teachers' rights were often ignored by 
administrators and school boards. After his election, Senator Rodda 
became a fierce proponent for education reform. During his 22 years as 
a legislator, he championed public education as chairman of both the 
Senate Education Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. He crafted 
legislation that provided necessary funding for public schools and 
created the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office and Board 
of Trustees. He also drafted landmark legislation that gave teachers 
collective bargaining rights and established the Public Employment 
Relations Board.
  While a steadfast Democrat, Senator Rodda was widely respected and 
made it a principle to work in a bipartisan manner with his fellow 
Senators. Because of this character trait he was often considered the 
choice alternative to end brewing legislative rivalries. He always made 
it a priority to thoughtfully study every piece of legislation he voted 
on, often taking his time, but always coming to a fair decision. He set 
the bar high and stands as an example that we all can look to for 
guidance.
  Senator Rodda left his mark on Sacramento. His work can be seen at 
the Cal Expo, on Regional Transit and in Old Sacramento at the 
California State Railroad Museum. His lasting legacy may be a strong 
community college system, a system that he taught at and led. Today, 
the Los Rios Community College District and Sacramento City College 
give Sacramentans an opportunity to improve their lives through 
academic learning and career technical education.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize and honor the life of one of 
Sacramento's greatest leaders. On behalf of the people of Sacramento 
and the State of California, I ask all my colleagues to join me in 
honoring Albert Stanley Rodda for his unwavering commitment to 
Sacramento, the State of California and our nation. Senator Rodda was 
humble, honest and thoughtful in all he did. He was a great man, and he 
will be missed.

                          ____________________