[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF CRYSTAL BERTHEAU

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2015

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the House's attention the 
outstanding public service work of Crystal Bertheau on the occasion of 
her retirement from the Santa Cruz County Elections Department 
following a long and distinguished career.
   In Ms. Bertheau's professional career, she embodied the fundamental 
principal that should guide American democracy across our great nation: 
that every voter should have easy access to the ballot and that every 
vote cast should be counted. It is an example that stands as a beacon 
even now in the 21st Century.
   Crystal started her professional career in San Mateo County in 1972 
where she and her co-workers created an annual program for Court Room 
Clerks at Stanford University. From 1981 to 1996, Crystal worked for 
Judge Clarence B. Knight. In 1996, Crystal transferred to the San Mateo 
County Elections Department. In 1997, she and her husband, David, moved 
to Scotts Valley, California. In 1998, the Santa Cruz County Elections 
Department hired her as the poll worker training and recruitment 
coordinator for the county. She was instrumental in launching and 
implementing the county Inspector Hotline, a dedicated phone number for 
poll workers to call in questions on Election Day.
   In 2002, she took on the duties of Program Coordinator in charge of 
candidate filing. Crystal quickly became known as the knowledgeable and 
friendly face who helped thousands of candidates navigate their way 
through the candidate filing process. Crystal also served as a Passport 
Acceptance Agent and a Deputy Commissioner for Civil Marriage for the 
County of Santa Cruz. She and her co-workers earned the 2013 Employee 
Recognition Gold Award for successfully facilitating the start of same 
sex marriages in Santa Cruz County.
   Crystal's passion for elections and community service is 
unsurpassed. She has worked 20 hour Election Days, spent many weekends 
serving her community on Passport Saturdays and Weekend Voting, and 
conducted weddings near the midnight hour on Valentine's Day. Crystal 
has enjoyed sailing in the San Francisco Bay, has run 2 half marathons 
and dozens of 10ks, has backpacked in the High Sierras, and enjoyed 
scuba diving in Cozumel, Bonaire, and the Monterey Bay. In retirement 
Crystal hopes to continue to enjoy her hobbies of golf, gardening, 
hiking, playing the piano, reading, and spending time with family and 
friends, especially her son Mark.
   Mr. Speaker, I know that I speak on behalf of the entire House in 
thanking Crystal for her 42 years of public service and outstanding 
leadership, showing one person can impact the lives of many. I wish her 
the very best in the next chapter of her life.

                          ____________________