[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 167 (Thursday, October 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E962-E963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING SUZANNE SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today, 
along with my colleague, Rep. Jared Huffman, to honor Suzanne Smith for 
her dedicated service to the Sonoma County Transportation Authority and 
Regional Climate Protection Authority where she worked to build both 
agencies from the ground up.
  Ms. Smith received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science 
from the University of California, San Diego, where she also studied 
urban planning. Suzanne would later receive her Master of Arts degree 
in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco.
  The Sonoma County Transit Authority (SCTA) and the Regional Climate 
Protection Authority (RCPA) represent Sonoma County and the area's nine 
cities. They work together to balance the interests of each local 
government while spearheading transit projects, and climate protection 
initiatives. Ms. Smith was hired as the SCTA's first independent 
executive director in 1997 and later was assigned to lead RCPA as well. 
Since then, she has grown the team to sixteen curated employees, and 
worked tirelessly to implement crucial transportation and climate 
projects and programs in Sonoma County and the North Bay.
  Ms. Smith led the organizational process that created the Measure M 
Traffic Relief Act (Measure M). She worked to include it on the 2004 
ballot and to ensure it passed. This quarter cent sales tax has been 
successfully used to improve transportation, transit, safety, and the 
widening of Highway 101 for carpool lanes. In addition, she oversaw 
long range planning, and collaborated with partner agencies and the 
public on policy priorities. Additionally, she was instrumental in the 
founding legislation for Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District 
(SMART) and the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority.
  In 1997, Ms. Smith had three goals: to get a sales tax measure passed 
to support transportation, widen Highway 101, and establish train 
service. She not only accomplished her goals, but she has also acted as 
an incredible leader for the community of Sonoma County. She has made 
and maintained effective partnerships with agencies and elected 
officials nationwide and has directed the Sonoma County Transit 
Authority and Regional Climate Protection Authority through economic 
downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic. She has served with integrity, 
foresight, thoughtfulness, and unquestionable dedication and 
commitment. Ms. Smith demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills and 
an innate understanding of how politics work and how to move projects 
forward.
  Throughout her professional career, Ms. Smith also served as the 
district director for State Assembly Member Valerie Brown. She worked 
on policy issues such as transportation, education, and local 
government.

[[Page E963]]

  Ms. Smith is revered by her colleagues not just for her work but also 
for her friendliness and collegiality. When she is not working, she 
also loves to spend time with her family including her husband, Tim, 
her mom, Barbara, her stepchildren, Katie Mason, Nick Smith, and Emily 
Angelopoulos, and her grandchildren, Cam, Nick, Sidney, Ben, Anthony, 
and Dominic.
  Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is therefore fitting and proper that we 
recognize Suzanne Smith for her longtime service at the Sonoma County 
Transit Authority and Regional Climate Protection Authority.

                          ____________________