[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E28]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING ALAN HAFFA'S CAREER AS A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 14, 2025

  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alan Haffa, a 
dedicated public servant to the people of Monterey. Dr. Haffa's 
commitment to public service began at a young age as an Eagle Scout, 
where he learned valuable skills like leadership and service. Through 
this organization he met his wife, Arlene, to whom he has been married 
for 26 years and shares two children. After graduating from Monterey 
High School, Dr. Haffa received a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and 
M.A.'s in Comparative Literature and Classics from the University of 
Wisconsin-Madison. Following graduation, Dr. Haffa set out to work in 
the service of others.
  In 2004, in response to divisions within, the the local school 
district, Monterey Peninsula Unified (MPUSD), Dr. Haffa rose to the 
occasion and became a board member, steering the board in a clearer 
direction. He was influential in questioning district consultants 
regarding the construction of 11 new schools. Dr. Haffa had serious 
concerns regarding the number of children these schools would have and 
where residents would work. Had the district sold bonds for the new 
schools, the district would still be in debt today, and schools in 
Monterey would have had to close. The leadership that Dr. Haffa 
displayed, questioning out-of-state consultants, protected students and 
citizens.
  In addition to his community service, Dr. Haffa taught at Monterey 
Peninsula College (MPC) and directed the Gentrain Program, an 
interdisciplinary, team-taught course in civilization. At MPC he has 
served on the Faculty Senate and for the past two years he has been co-
chair of the College Council, which is the highest advisory board to 
the college president. Dr. Haffa has also fought for lifelong learning 
at the college, and in 2011 he was the MPC Teachers Association faculty 
union co-negotiator.

                          ____________________