[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 116 (Tuesday, July 11, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE BONNIE PANNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2017

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise to 
honor the life of my personal friend and former Sacramento City 
Councilwoman, Bonnie Pannell. Bonnie passed away on June 27th of this 
year at the age of 68. I ask my colleagues to join me in tribute to 
Bonnie's truly remarkable life, which she dedicated to public service 
and activism within her community.
  Bonnie served Sacramento as a member of its City Council for sixteen 
years, fighting tirelessly on behalf of the communities of Meadowview, 
Parkway, North Laguna Creek, and Jacinto Creek. I was honored to work 
alongside Bonnie in providing flood protection, efficient public 
transportation, and other essential services for our shared 
constituents. She was incredibly dedicated to the people she 
represented, and her partnership was invaluable on numerous 
initiatives, such as extending Sacramento Regional Transit's Light Rail 
to Cosumnes River College and opening the Valley Hi-North Laguna 
Library.
  Bonnie was the model of what a true public servant should aspire to 
be. She knew and loved her constituents, she never lost sight of what 
was best for them, and she was constantly striving to provide her 
community with the best resources and opportunities available. The 
entire Sacramento community suffered a blow when Bonnie was diagnosed 
with primary progressive aphasia, which forced her to step down from 
office. I can think of no more fitting tribute to her than what the 
people of Sacramento did to mark Bonnie's retirement--naming a central 
and beloved community center in her district the Samuel and Bonnie 
Pannell Meadowview Community Center. This building, the people and 
families it serves, and the community in which it is located all remind 
us that we were honored to be in and experience the presence of Bonnie 
Pannell.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life 
of the Honorable Bonnie Pannell. I will miss her professionally, and 
like so many in my beloved hometown of Sacramento, I will miss her 
personally.

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