[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18530]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         IN TRIBUTE TO MY STAFF

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 31, 2012

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to the men and women who 
work day after day, and often on nights and weekends, that I may best 
serve the people of California's 24th Congressional District.
  During my 26 years in Congress, I have hired the best self-starters I 
could find who have a proven track record of caring for the people for 
whom they serve. As a result, I have one of the smallest staffs of any 
Member of Congress. As proof of their dedication and professionalism, I 
also have one of the lowest turnover rates of any Member of Congress.
  My district director, Paula Sheil, started with me in 1972 in the 
private sector and has run my district office since I was first elected 
to Congress. In addition to running the day-to-day operations of my 
district office, Paula brings me back to earth and redirects my 
energies when I get off-kilter.
  As my district chief of staff for 20 years, Brian Miller served as my 
surrogate in the district when I was in Washington, DC. He knows 
everyone, everyone knows him, and he has been instrumental in my 
knowledge of the needs and concerns of the county, cities, districts, 
organizations and individuals throughout the district.
  Tina Cobb has been handling my casework for 20 years. If a 
constituent has a problem and Tina can not solve it, it cannot be 
solved. She knows the ins and outs of our Federal agencies and can cut 
through red tape like no one else.
  Myrna Vafee joined my district staff 6 years ago. In addition to 
doing case work, Myrna does all the chores necessary to keep an office 
running, from sorting mail to greeting constituents. Her smile 
immediately puts people at ease.
  Thomas Widroe has been my deputy district director for 2 years, 
working from my Solvang office and acting as my eyes and ears in the 
North County.
  Joel Kassiday has been my chief of staff in Washington, DC, for 11 
years. Joel is the epitome of efficiency. I have learned to be very 
careful before I ask Joel to undertake a task because he has it done 
before you have a chance to change your mind.
  Marianne Brant, my executive assistant, has been with me for 6 years. 
Marianne's primary responsibility is to maintain my schedule and to 
make sure I am where I am supposed to be. There probably is no tougher 
job in a congressional office and Marianne does it with poise, 
efficiency, and an ever-present smile.
  Richard Mereu, my chief counsel and administrative assistant, has 
been a trusted advisor for 18 years. He has served as my staff director 
on the subcommittees I've chaired on both the Foreign Affairs and 
Judiciary committees, in addition to advising me on a wide range of 
legislative issues.
  Tom Pfeifer joined my staff 14 years ago after 15 years as a 
journalist in my district. Tom's knowledge of the media, the people, 
the issues, and the politics of the district has made him a valuable 
resource in my D.C. office.
  Cecilia Daly has been my legislative counsel for 6 years. Cecilia is 
a master researcher who takes great pleasure in tutoring our interns on 
that skill.
  Kenneth Steinhardt first came to my office as an intern and came to 
work for me full time 7 years ago. Kenny is a bulldog on legislation. 
He builds coalitions on and off the Hill to move a bill and does not 
let up.
  RJ Hauman is my newest staff member. As staff assistant, he is often 
the first person a constituent interacts with in my D.C. office.
  Mr. Speaker, this is just my current staff. I have had many other 
great staffers over the years, but to try to name them all would take 
too long. Suffice it to say that I am grateful for their service as 
well. These are the best of the best, and I know my colleagues join me 
in thanking them for their service and in wishing them well in their 
new endeavors.

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