[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 398]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO BOB McGOWAN

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of 
Bob McGowan, the Washoe County assessor. Last year, after more than 24 
years in office, Bob retired as the longest serving elected department 
head in the county. His personable demeanor and dedication to service 
will be missed.
  Bob has been a resident of Nevada for more than 38 years. After 
working in the Nevada Attorney General's office, Bob made the first of 
many successful runs for elected office. In 1982, the citizens of 
Washoe County elected him as their county assessor. For more than two 
decades, Bob has presided over the growth of Washoe County. From the 
rising real estate values at Lake Tahoe to the rapid development in the 
city of Reno, Bob has sought to provide fairness for Washoe County 
residents.
  Most importantly, Bob has never forgotten that the goal of elected 
office is service. After his election in 2002, he told the Reno-Gazette 
Journal: ``From the first day I went in office, we've always been a 
public service organization, not just a property appraisal.'' Under 
Bob's guidance, the assessor's office has become more responsive to 
Washoe County residents. For example, Bob moved the assessor's office 
into the digital age, and residents of Washoe County can now access 
many forms online. Bob has also worked to save the taxpayers money, 
trimming his own budget to return more than $2 million dollars to the 
Washoe County general fund.
  As the county assessor, Bob has always been in tune with the issues 
of Washoe County. He has navigated controversies over rising property 
values with ease, taking the time to talk with the people he serves. To 
this day, residents are amazed that Bob is so approachable and 
accessible. He can quickly put a visitor at ease with his humble 
demeanor and his frequent jokes. In fact, I cannot recall a time that I 
have met with Bob when he hasn't told me a funny anecdote or story.
  In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bob is a dedicated 
part of his community. He has served as president for Habitat for 
Humanity and as an executive board member of the alumni organization 
for the University of Nevada, Reno. Additionally, as the president of 
the Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful organization, he led an effort to 
protect the pristine areas surrounding Lake Tahoe. While working to 
improve Washoe County, Bob also raised three wonderful children in 
Reno. A few years ago, I had the privilege to host his daughter, Megan, 
in my Washington office. A finer former employee does not exist.
  Bob McGowan has been an important part of Northern Nevada for more 
than two decades. His retirement will leave large shoes to fill, but I 
am confident that Bob will continue to improve Washoe County for many 
years to come. It is my great pleasure to offer my congratulations to 
Bob and the McGowan family.

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