[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6347]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING CERRITOS COUNCILMEMBER LAURA LEE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2011

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the Honorable Laura Lee for her 8 years of public service to 
the people of Cerritos, California.
  Laura and her husband Charles have called Cerritos home since 1979 
and raised their two talented children in the city. Prior to her 
election to the Cerritos City Council in 2003, Laura had been an active 
member of the community and served as a city planning commissioner from 
1999 to 2001. As a testament to her leadership, the residents of 
Cerritos elected Laura to serve the maximum amount of terms, fulfilling 
the duties of Mayor once and Mayor Pro Tempore twice.
  Throughout her tenure on the Cerritos City Council, Laura worked 
tirelessly with her fellow councilmembers to launch the city to new 
heights. During Laura's tenure on the city council, Cerritos 
experienced unmatched growth, including the addition of a fitness 
center at the city's Senior Center, the erection of a beautiful 
sculpture garden, and the construction of the Fountain Walk senior 
housing community.
  Under 2008, with Laura's leadership, the City of Cerritos received 
the prestigious All-America City Award. Laura also worked to ensure 
Cerritos remains a place where small businesses thrive, helping the 
City to earn ``Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County'' 
recognition by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation.
  Laura's passion for serving others extended well beyond her Council 
duties. She has served as director of the American Red Cross Long Beach 
Chapter Board, advisor of the Su Casa Domestic Abuse Network, director 
general of the Southern California Chinese Women's League, and a 
steadfast volunteer at the Cerritos Senior Center. A real estate broker 
by trade, Laura has also led the Rancho Southeast Association of 
Realtors as president and served as chairwoman of the Equal Opportunity 
and Cultural Diversity Committee of the California Association of 
Realtors.
  Perhaps Laura's most profound contribution to Cerritos is her 
immeasurable kindness and compassion. Her heart has always made certain 
her decisions at the City Council dais were generous as well as 
pragmatic. Her smile is ever present and exemplifies the city's 
vibrancy. It is with great pleasure that I commend Laura for her 
dedication to public service and leadership by example.

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