[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 207 (Tuesday, December 8, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1111-E1112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING COUNCILMEMBER GINA BELFORTE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 8, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Rohnert Park City Councilmember Gina Belforte for more than a decade of 
service to our community. As we mark her retirement, it is important to 
recognize her contributions to the City of Rohnert Park and the greater 
North Bay.
  Councilmember Belforte was first elected in 2008 and has served three 
terms with honor and integrity, including terms as mayor and vice 
mayor. Throughout her years in office, she has worked hard to stabilize 
the city budget while maintaining essential services, and has always 
strived to give a voice to the underrepresented. She has also been a 
regional leader as the Sonoma County appointee to the Golden Gate 
Bridge Highway and Transportation District and as a member of the 
Sonoma Clean Power Board of Directors. Through her passion and 
commitment, Councilmember Belforte has ensured a stronger, brighter 
future for Rohnert Park and our greater community.
  Aside from her noteworthy record as a public servant, Councilmember 
Belforte is a well-regarded business leader. In recognition of her 
success in the face of barriers that exist for woman-owned enterprises, 
she was awarded the Women's Initiative for Self-Employment Woman 
Entrepreneur of the of the Year award in 2010. Using her business 
acumen for charitable causes, she has also served with distinction as 
the President of both Sonoma County Adult and Youth Development and the 
Rotary Club of Rohnert Park--Cotati. Although she is retiring from 
public service, her impact on our community will continue.
  Madam Speaker, Councilmember Gina Belforte is an exceptional public 
servant, a

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true friend, and has dedicated herself to principled service to the 
city and people of Rohnert Park. It is therefore fitting and proper 
that we honor her here today.

                          ____________________