[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 16325-16326]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING MARGE MEDELLIN IN CELEBRATION OF HER 80TH BIRTHDAY

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 23, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ms. Marge Medellin's 
80th birthday celebration. Marge is the former mayor of Madera, 
California and a dear friend of mine. She has been an inspiration to 
many and trailblazer throughout her career in public service. It is 
both fitting and appropriate that we honor Marge as she celebrates this 
special milestone.
  Margaret Medellin was born on October 8, 1937 to Mary and James 
Martinez. She is a lifelong resident of Madera. Marge overcame 
adversity at a young age and went on to have a successful career at the 
Madera County Office of Education. She worked there from July 1956 to 
December 2002.
  Marge was married in 1957. She was blessed with four children, eight 
grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
  A call to service and the desire to help the community led Marge to 
run for the Madera City Council. She was first elected in March 1978, 
serving two terms from March 1978 to December 1986 and another term 
from December 1988 to December 1992. Marge served the city of Madera as 
mayor, beginning in 1982, for two consecutive terms and an additional 
four-year term. She was recognized by the state as California's first 
Latina Mayor.
  Aside from her career in office, Marge has served on countless boards 
and commissions throughout the years. She is a founding member of the 
Pan American Club which provides college scholarships for young 
Hispanic students. She is also a founding member of

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Latinas Unidas, an organization that empowers young Hispanic women.
  One of her proudest moments came in December 2016, when Marge swore 
in her son Andy Medellin as the mayor of Madera. Marge and Andy are 
believed to be the first mother and son elected mayor to the same city 
in California.
  Marge is a true pioneer. She is known as an advocate for equal rights 
and always leads by example. Marge has served as a mentor and 
inspiration to many. She has made an indelible mark on Madera and our 
Valley.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I ask my colleagues to 
join me today in recognizing Marge Medellin as she celebrates her 80th 
birthday. I ask that you join me in wishing her and her family 
continued health and happiness.

                          ____________________