[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 165 (Tuesday, December 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF TONY CAMPOS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 14, 2010

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a model public servant 
who dedicated his life to the betterment of the Pajaro Valley on 
California's central coast. Tony Campos, a native of the Pajaro Valley, 
has served his community as a city councilmember, a mayor, and a county 
supervisor since 1987. His leadership and dedication has resulted in 
many successes. Moreover, his loyalty and compassion made him a dear 
friend to me and many others.
  Tony was born and raised in the Pajaro Valley, graduated from 
Watsonville High School and attended Cabrillo College. He spent 
fourteen years working in the sprawling agricultural fields with his 
father. From this strong foundation, Tony sought to continue his 
success by becoming a small-business owner. However, the biggest 
success in his life came in March of 1977 when he married Becky 
Tegenkamp.
  In 1987, Tony was elected as to the Watsonville City Council. He was 
the first Latino elected to the City Council since the city's 
incorporation in 1868. Two years later, he demonstrated exemplary 
leadership in the Loma Prieta earthquake and its aftermath. As Mayor of 
Watsonville, Tony led the city through one of its worst natural 
disasters when the Pajaro River overflowed, flooding large portions of 
the Pajaro Valley.
  In June of 1998, Tony became the first Latino elected to the Santa 
Cruz County Board of Supervisors since 1853. For twelve years, he 
fought tirelessly to improve social and health services in the county. 
Moreover, as Chairman of the Board, Tony has brought further attention 
to the needs of seniors, Latinos, young people, and farm workers. 
Recently, Tony accomplished his goal of equal access to the courts and 
other government services by playing an instrumental role in the 
construction of the new Watsonville Civic Center.
  Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize this community leader and 
to applaud him for his tenure on the Santa Cruz County Board of 
Supervisors. As Tony begins the next chapter of his life, he will 
continue to be a strong advocate for the Pajaro Valley and the Central 
Coast. I wish my friend and his lovely wife all the best in their 
future endeavors.

                          ____________________