[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 160 (Tuesday, December 7, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2066-E2067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF REB MONACO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2010

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Reb Monaco, a model 
public servant on the occasion of his retirement from the San Benito 
County Board of Supervisors. I have had great pleasure in working with 
Reb. I am proud to honor my friend and thank him for his service.
  Reb is a second generation Californian. He grew up in Santa Clara 
County. He graduated from Santa Clara High School and went on to pursue 
an undergraduate degree from San Jose State University. He also holds a 
Masters Degree from the University of California Santa Cruz.
  In 1968, Reb decided to settle in San Benito County and began his 
career in public education. He taught grades 6th, 7th, and 8th to 
special education students in the Hollister School District for 32 
years. He also served as adjunct faculty at Gavilan Community College 
for 14 years teaching health education to college students.
  While Reb retired from teaching he still had no desire to stop 
working. Instead he ventured into a new career in politics. He ran for 
County Supervisor and was successfully elected to the San Benito County 
Board, District 4 on November 5, 2002. Reb was subsequently re-elected 
to serve a second term in 2006. During his tenure he served as Chairman 
of the Board in 2005 and 2010. He has also served on various committees 
during the past 8 years including, County Supervisors Associations of 
California, Local Agency Formation Commission, Monterey Bay Unified Air 
Pollution Control District and the Veteran's Park Commission. He also 
served on the Hollister Hills Advisory Committee, National Association 
of Counties and the following sub-committees: New County Courthouse 
Project Advisory Group, Courthouse Security Project, In Home Support 
Services Negotiations, Budget, General Plan Element-Economic 
Development, Southside Building Use, Juvenile Justice Commission, and 
the Redevelopment Agency Revolving Loan Fund Board, to name a few.
  It has been a pleasure working with Reb on legislation to elevate the 
Pinnacles National Monument into a full fledged national park. Reb has 
been the Godfather behind the proposal and every time I see him he 
reminds me of the work that must be done. Reb has personal connections 
to the lands in the Pinnacles area and understands the economic 
development that the park will bring to the region. I admire his 
tenacity and persistence to continue to push for a Pinnacles National 
Park.
  Reb was a founding member of the California Blacksmith Association, 
which is composed of diverse group of men and women who have a common 
interest in working on hot iron metal. The group is dedicated to 
keeping the art and tradition of blacksmithing alive. Reb is also a 32 
Mason one of the highest honors for this national an international 
freemasonry organization. Reb has many other hobbies and I hope he uses 
this time to indulge in those things that he likes the most. I know 
that his wife Jill, two children and grandson are all looking forward 
to spending more family time together.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House of Representatives, I would 
like to extend our nation's deepest gratitude to Reb Monaco for all of 
his years of service. He is retiring from the board but I know that he 
will continue to be involved in the community in other capacities.

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