[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21066]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BRUNA MICHAUX

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2007

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bruna Michaux for 
her 43 years of service to the City of Buffalo. Ms. Michaux has 
provided exemplary service to the city and has consistently 
demonstrated leadership and notable dedication and professionalism to 
the Department of Assessment and Taxation.
  I would like to briefly touch on the many areas of service that Bruna 
has been involved with since she was hired by the city in 1964 as a 
stenographer in the audit department. As a senior tax administrator 
from 1977 to 1987, she initiated and implemented significant changes to 
the internal structure of the Tax Division that have ultimately 
resulted in improved service to the public.
  Bruna always fulfilled her duties with integrity and upheld standards 
in the community. After urging city officials that Buffalo wasn't 
holding property owners responsible for unpaid taxes, Bruna was able to 
take part in the creation of the city's first property foreclosure 
auction in March 1981. This accomplishment greatly helped to facilitate 
and increase tax collections. Five years later in 1986, Bruna had an 
integral role in getting the city committed to a reassessment process 
that mandates each parcel is reviewed every 6 years. The reassessment 
process corrects inequities in tax assessments.
  Bruna also served as director of parking enforcement from 1987 until 
1994, a position that her father had held years earlier. As in all 
other roles, Bruna held the position with dignity and commitment.
  Ms. Michaux eventually returned to the Department of Assessment and 
Taxation in January of 1994. In 2003, she was named commissioner, and 
since then has continued to promote public trust and maintain the 
professionalism and integrity of the department.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to say that the City of Buffalo is a better 
place thanks to the years of selfless commitment and sense of justice 
brought forth by Bruna Michaux. I ask that you join me in applauding 
Bruna for her great accomplishments while serving the City and wish her 
the best of luck in her retirement.

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