[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 165 (Tuesday, December 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2123-E2124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING BONNIE NEELY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 14, 2010

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Bonnie Neely for her twenty-four years of distinguished public service 
on the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors.
  First elected to Humboldt County's 4th Supervisorial District on 
November 3, 1986, Ms. Neely has been an outstanding public servant with 
a reputation for astute knowledge of local issues, creative problem 
solving and compassion for people. She has proven herself as a skilled 
collaborator and tireless advocate for the citizens of Humboldt County.
  Throughout her tenure as Supervisor, Ms. Neely has provided strong 
and resourceful leadership on community issues ranging from 
homelessness to natural resources. She was appointed by two Governors 
to sit on the statewide California Coastal Commission and California 
Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. She has been active on numerous 
local committees and boards, such as the Humboldt County Children and 
Families Commission, Humboldt County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 
Humboldt Bay Harbor Revitalization Advisory Committee, Redwood Empire 
Association, Redwood Community Action Agency, and the Rotary Club of 
Eureka.
  A native of Humboldt County, Bonnie attended Humboldt State 
University and transferred to London, England to continue her education 
before returning home to complete her bachelor's degree in Liberal 
Arts.
  Ms. Neely has a demonstrated passion for promoting our region's 
artistic culture and rich quality of life. She is Board President of 
Dell'Arte International, a founding member of the North Coast Repertory 
Theatre, and co-founder and board member of the Redwood Coast Music 
Festivals and the Humboldt Library Foundation. Along with her fellow 
board members, she also helped to establish the Headwaters Fund to 
support community development projects.
  A dedicated champion for the citizens of Humboldt County, Bonnie has 
received numerous awards including the ``Woman of Distinction Award'' 
from the Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay, Award of 
Outstanding Service to Homeless from the Redwood Community Action 
Agency, Community Achievement Award from the U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Friend of Seniors Award from the Area 1 Agency on 
Aging, Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Foundation, and the 
Contributor to the Arts Award from the Humboldt Arts Council.
  Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time to acknowledge and 
thank Bonnie Neely for her 24 years of exemplary leadership and lasting 
contributions that have done so much to directly improve the lives of 
those she has so ably represented.

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