[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 159 (Friday, October 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING PAULETTE LYNCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 4, 2019

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paulette Lynch 
for her 30 years of leadership to Monterey County's creative sector and 
to congratulate her on her retirement after 15 years as executive 
director of the Arts Council for Monterey County. The 20th District of 
California appreciates Paulette Lynch's dedication to the community and 
the great progress she has made over the past three decades.
  Paulette Lynch spearheaded First Night Monterey in 1992 and 
successfully led the organization for ten years before becoming 
Executive Director of the Arts Council for Monterey County in 2004. She 
also reshaped the Arts Council's mission, creating a greater equity in 
funding for the arts throughout the county, developing award-winning 
programs, and providing unifying leadership in the creative sector on 
the central coast of California. Further, Paulette restored county 
funding, diversified the Arts Council revenues, and created the annual 
Champion of the Arts Gala, an event which honors seven arts nonprofit 
organizations and individuals who have made profound and lasting 
contributions throughout Monterey County.
  Paulette Lynch has been guided by the phrase ``the Arts are the 
Answer,'' and demonstrated the transformational benefits of arts in the 
classroom, community, the juvenile justice systems, and health systems. 
35 school districts and 20,000 students, as well as numerous 
communities, benefited from her dedication. Paulette was previously 
recognized for her work to improve the quality of life within 
California's 20th District. She has won several awards and honors 
throughout her tenure, including the 2008 Monterey County Weekly 
Editor's Pick for Community Leadership Best pf Monterey County, the 
2009 City of Seaside 25th Anniversary Award for Lifetime Support of 
Youth in the Arts, the 2013 Monterey County Commission on the Status of 
Women Outstanding Woman of Monterey County, the 2013 Monterey County 
Weekly Top 25 Game-Changing Leaders of Monterey County, and the 2015 
National Association of Counties Award for Innovation program Art as 
Healing Intervention for incarcerated youth at the Monterey County 
Probation Department Youth Center.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and 
thanking Paulette Lynch for her 30 years of service and leadership to 
Monterey County. Her tireless commitment to improving the lives of 
everyone in California's 20th District through the arts will not be 
forgotten, and her legacy in the community will certainly be long 
lasting. On behalf of Central Coast residents, I thank Ms. Lynch for 
her contribution to our community and wishing her a long and healthy 
retirement.

                          ____________________