[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Pages 5812-5813]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO CAROLE VILARDO

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Carole 
Vilardo on her retirement after three decades of service to the Great 
State of Nevada. Ms. Vilardo has gone above and beyond in her role with 
the Nevada Taxpayers Association, NTA, embodying Nevada's values of 
strength and steadfast dedication to improving the Silver State's tax 
laws.
  Ms. Vilardo began her career with the NTA in 1986 when she was 
assigned to work on issues including taxes, spending, and business 
regulation. Prior to this, she owned a retail shop and teamed up with 
former Nevada State Senator Ann O'Connell in spearheading work to 
create tougher shoplifting laws in Nevada. These laws were

[[Page 5813]]

later adopted and became a model to other States. From 1972 to 1986, 
the two worked as a team to better the State of Nevada by advocating 
for greater accountability for the Clark County Commission in its 
actions and decisions.
  After joining the NTA, Ms. Vilardo worked for 30 years to maintain 
unbiased and fair tax laws for the Silver State. Throughout her tenure, 
Ms. Vilardo was recognized as a tax expert with an unparalleled ability 
to explain complex issues to those around her. Even with the slightest 
change in legislation, Ms. Vilardo could explain the direct effects 
these decisions would have on Nevada's economy. She was one-of-a-kind, 
earning the trust of anyone she made contact with. In addition, she 
served as a true watchdog of Nevada's spending. Her public service will 
be sorely missed by our Great State.
  After three decades of providing insightful testimony on tax policy 
and instrumental counsel to those helping shape Nevada's laws, Ms. 
Vilardo recently retired. Her legacy throughout the Silver State and at 
the NTA will continue on for years to come. Ms. Vilardo will continue 
to be respected for her in-depth knowledge, years of unwavering 
dedication to our State, and for her ability to create long-lasting and 
positive relationships throughout Nevada. Her vigilance and 
determination in creating effective tax policy for our State will not 
be forgotten.
  Ms. Vilardo has demonstrated true commitment to Nevada, exemplifying 
what it means to fight for the greater good of our Great State. We are 
lucky to have had someone of such dedication working on behalf of the 
Silver State. I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in 
thanking Ms. Vilardo for her years of service, and I wish her well in 
all of her future endeavors.

                          ____________________