[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24414]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MARTHA FRANCO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2008

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Madam Speaker, in my years of public service, I have 
benefitted from the efforts of many capable employees on my staff who 
have come and gone. Yet there has always remained one constant in my 
office, Martha Franco, and for that I am truly grateful.
  Martha was born in Mexico and grew up in Colusa, California. As a 
naturalized citizen, she is a model example of someone who made the 
efforts required to become a U.S. citizen and has gone on to contribute 
to our country through public service.
  Martha first came to work for me in 1984 when I served in the 
California State Senate. When I was elected to Congress in 1990, Martha 
became my Executive Assistant and Office Manager. She has worked for me 
in Washington and in California, and this year I named her as my Deputy 
Chief of Staff.
  Martha's loyal presence has meant so much to my wife, Julie, to me, 
and to our entire organization. The people who call upon our office 
have appreciated seeing a familiar face through the years, and I have 
appreciated having someone who knows the many people who have been 
important to us throughout my career. Martha's unsurpassed character 
and dedication have allowed me to trust her with confidential and 
sensitive materials and to do so with great confidence.
  Martha's spirit is demonstrated by her commitment to family as well. 
She cares for her father at home and is a wonderful aunt to her many 
nieces and nephews. I know she is looking forward to spending even more 
time with her large family as she begins a new chapter in her life.
  While our work together will soon end, Martha will always remain an 
important person in our lives. As she looks to new opportunities, I 
wish Martha all the best, and look forward to her continued friendship 
in the years to come.

                          ____________________