[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 148 (Monday, November 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO COMMISSIONER FRANK HALAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CONNIE MACK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2010

  Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Southwest 
Florida's most outstanding public servants, Collier County Commissioner 
Frank Halas, who is retiring after an exceptional career.
  Frank has served on the Collier County Board of Commissioners for the 
last eight years, and during his time on the Board, he has been a 
strong force for the people of Collier County and all of Southwest 
Florida. One of his top priorities has been the preservation and 
protection of the Vanderbilt Beach area in Naples, and he has fought 
tirelessly to protect our region's delicate environment and water 
resources.
  Frank's public service did not start with his stint on the Board of 
Commissioners, and I doubt it will end there. He enlisted in the U.S. 
Army after graduating from high school, and after 31 years with the 
Ford Motor Company in Michigan, he retired to Southwest Florida, where 
the ``quiet and sophistication'' of the area appealed to him and his 
family.
  During his time here in our part of paradise, Frank has held 
countless positions on numerous civic and charitable organizations 
throughout Southwest Florida. He's the type of person who believes in 
giving back to his community tenfold and has done just that. From his 
work with the VFW, the Taxpayers Action Group, the Collier Audubon 
Society, and the Estuary Conservation Association, he has worked to 
make Southwest Florida a great place to live, work and visit.
  Frank's enthusiasm and passion for serving the community is 
inspiring. He is the type of elected official that all of us in public 
service strive to be--accessible, dedicated, and effective.
  I'd like to recognize Frank's wife, Diane, and his six children and 
nine grandchildren, for their support during his public service--I know 
he couldn't have accomplished so much without their love and support.
  Madam Speaker, although we are sad to see him leave the Collier 
County Board of Commissioners, Southwest Florida is better off today 
because of Frank Halas' tireless work. I wish Frank and his family all 
the best as he enjoys his well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________