[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14415]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JULIA RATTI

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate 
Councilwoman Julia Ratti of Sparks on her retirement. After serving as 
a member of the Sparks City Council for 8 years, Councilwoman Ratti 
retired on November 14, 2016. It gives me great pleasure to 
congratulate her on many years of hard work for the city of Sparks and 
her recent election to the Nevada State Senate.
  As a graduate of the University of Nevada at Reno, UNR, Councilwoman 
Ratti is an exemplary role model who is truly devoted to the citizens 
of Sparks and Nevada. Before she was elected to the Sparks City 
Council, Councilwoman Ratti founded and served as president of 
Strategic Management Services, a consultant firm providing nonprofit 
and government services. Additionally, Councilwoman Ratti worked as an 
influential leader for young women as a Girl Scouts of the USA 
nonprofit manager and former executive.
  Since her first term as councilwoman in 2008, she remained committed 
to helping the Sparks community by serving as a strong advocate for 
initiatives that helped meet the needs of the city's most vulnerable. 
Specifically, as chair of the city's redevelopment agency, Councilwoman 
Ratti focused on improving infrastructure and development in areas 
around Victorian Square, as well as refining recreational facilities. 
She also served on the Washoe County District Board of Health, Truckee 
Meadows Water Authority, Capital Funding Protection Committee and 
Oversight Committee for School Facilities, and the Sparks Legislative 
Team.
  Councilwoman Ratti's impact on local businesses and her relentless 
advocacy for improving the Sparks community should serve as an example 
to all. Her steadfast support for the children of Sparks, as well as 
her entire constituency, will be remembered and missed. Councilwoman 
Ratti's leadership and achieved success throughout northern Nevada 
proves her dedication to community service, and she should be proud of 
her accomplishments throughout her tenure as a Sparks city 
councilwoman. I am grateful for her commitment to Sparks and to the 
great State of Nevada.
  Today I ask that all of my colleagues join me in congratulating 
Councilwoman Ratti on her retirement, and I offer my deepest 
appreciation for all that she has done for Sparks and Nevada. I offer 
my best wishes for many fulfilling years to come.

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