Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jeff Fontaine, who was recently appointed as Executive Director of the Nevada Association of Counties, NACO.

Jeff joins NACO after years of distinguished public service. Prior to being named as Executive Director of NACO, Jeff served as Director of the Nevada Department of Transportation, NDOT, where he also held the position of Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer. In this capacity, Jeff, oversaw a $600 million budget and 1,600 employees while engaging in road and bridge planning, designing, construction, and maintenance.

In the years before his work with NDOT, Jeff worked as a Public Health Engineering Supervisor with the Nevada State Health Division where he was the State Drinking Water Administrator who regulated the quality of water in the state's public water systems. Jeff also served as an environmental engineer for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX in San Francisco. In this capacity, Mr. Fontaine regulated the federal drinking programs on Indian Lands in three western states and in the island nations of Micronesia.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Jeff Fontaine. His dedication to the community is commendable and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of my good friend Jerald ``Jerry'' Ludwig, who passed away on Monday March 5, 2007.

Jerry, born in Algona, Iowa in 1930, was a resident of Henderson, Nevada for more than 60 years. He graduated from Basic High School in 1950. Following his graduation from Basic High School, Jerry volunteered in service to his country and served as a photographer for the United States Navy during the

Korean War, thereby kindling his passion for photography. After completing his military service, Jerry earned a degree in Political Science from Southern Nevada University in 1967. During his tenure at Southern Nevada University, Jerry also worked as the audio-visual coordinator for the Clark County School District.

Jerry was also very involved in the community, and was well known for his public service and mentoring abilities. Jerry was very active in the Boy Scouts and was instrumental in the development of the Boulder Dam Area Boy Scout Council in the late 1940's. He was also very impassioned about his involvement with the Henderson Rotary Club and boasted nearly 50 years of perfect attendance; Jerry also served as the President of the organization from 1995-1996 and held many other offices.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and memory of my good friend Jerald ``Jerry'' Ludwig. His dedication to the community and service to his country are commendable. He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Joann Strand and congratulate her on becoming National Board Certified in 2006.

Joann, a teacher at Foothill High School in Las Vegas, has a long and distinguished career as an educator and greatly deserves this notable recognition. Joann is one of two educators in Henderson, NV to earn National Board Certification in 2006. National Board Certification is a process that requires from one to three years of preparation and testing. Joann had to complete a portfolio of assignments, essays, and videotapes as well as tests which assessed her knowledge of the individual subjects she teaches. Only 116 of more than 20,000 teachers in the Clark County School District, less than 1 percent, have earned this distinction. Joann has made a profound difference in our community and we are most fortunate to have this leadership which positively impacts student achievement.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Joann Strand. Her efforts to improve the educational experiences of the student at Foothill High School are commendable. I congratulate her on her much deserved recognition and I wish her continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Technical Sergeant Delano M. Jackson for his long and distinguished career in the United States Air Force.

Sergeant Jackson first began his long and illustrious career in 1986 for the purpose of continuing his education. Jackson attended Technical Training at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas where he received training as a Technical Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, however he always had a passion to become an Air Force recruiter and expose prospective Airmen to the opportunities that the United States Air Force provides. Sergeant Jackson's first assignment was in South Korea attached to the 51st Generation Squadron. His next assignment was to the 2952 Combat Logistics Support Squadron at Hill AFB in Utah; where he received training as an Aircraft Battle Damage Repair Technician and was subsequently deployed to Saudi Arabia and Qatar in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Upon returning to the United States after the First Gulf War, Sergeant Jackson pursued his desire to become a recruiter and attended the Air Force Recruiting School, from where he graduated in 2001. His first assignment after Recruiting School was in Muskegon, Michigan, where he was awarded three senior recruiter badges during his three years assigned there. Sergeant Jackson was then assigned to the 339 Recruiting Squadron as an Operations NCO, and subsequently a Marketing NCO. In October 2001, Jackson was assigned to the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron (Thunderbirds), at Nellis AFB, Nevada, as a recruiter. Sergeant Jackson was then assigned to the 368th Recruiting Squadron to recruit for the Nurse, Dental, and Officer Training School programs in October 2002.

Over the course of his long and distinguished career, Sergeant Jackson received numerous accolades. His decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Outstanding Unit Award with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Good Conduct Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Medal, the Southwest Asia Medal with 2 devices, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Korean Defense Medal, the Air Force Recruiter Ribbon with 4 devices, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Technical Sergeant Delano M. Jackson. His distinguished record of service to the United States Air Force is commendable and I thank him for his many years of admirable service. I wish Sergeant Jackson the best in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Joel and Carol Bower whose civic and professional contributions to Henderson have motivated the Clark County School District to name the student health center at Basic High School in their honor.

Dr. Joel Bower and Carol Bower were both active in their communities. Dr. Bower was the Medical director of Planned Parenthood of Southern Nevada, Director of Family Planning Clinic, on the Executive Committee for the American Red Cross, Chairperson for Maternal and Child Health Advisory Board, and on the Ethics Committee for St. Rose Dominican. He was also a faculty member for University of Nevada Reno, Touro University, and Nathan Adelson Hospice. As a result of his commitment to the community they recently renamed the Winter Ethics Symposium in his name. Carol was involved in organizations such as Court Appointed Special Advocate, St. Rose Hospital Women's Committee, Prenatal Clinic, and Boulder City Art Guild. She has also authored six books through the St. Rose Dominican women's Committee. Joel and Carol both volunteered at the Salvation Army.

Dr. Joel and Carol Bower have been instrumental in acquiring medical equipment for Basic's Health Center. Dr. Bower is also the acting medical director and the lab director for the facility. Dr. Bower still continues to volunteer his time and talents to the community.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Dr. Joel and Carol Bower and their many achievements. Their dedication to the community is remarkable and I wish Dr. Bower continued success in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Johnray Egelhoff for his 41 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Postal Service.

Johnray began his long and distinguished career in the U.S. Postal Service in Phoenix, AZ, in 1966. Soon thereafter, Johnray enlisted in the service of his country. Upon his return to civilian life, he decided to pursue a Bachelors Degree from Arizona State University. Johnray graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Education in 1972. While pursuing his higher education goals, Johnray continued to work for the Postal Service and witnessed a number of profound changes in the mail system.

Throughout the course of his career, Johnray has held many leadership positions with the U.S. Postal Service. During the postal reorganization of 1970, Johnray became a supervisor and was subsequently promoted a number of times in Plant Operations from general supervisor to Sectional Center Director of Mail Processing for the Phoenix Mail Service Center. He has served as Postmaster in both Casa Grande, Arizona and Chandler, Arizona and has also served as Officer In Charge in Anaheim, CA, and Tucson, AZ. In 1998, Johnray was named the Postal Career Executive Service Postmaster in Phoenix, AZ, and held this position until being named the Las Vegas District Manager/Lead Executive.

Johnray's leadership skills have not only been influential in the Southwestern United States, he has also made an imprint on several national programs within the U.S. Postal Service. He was instrumental in developing the Master Instructor Series training courses for supervisors, managers and Postmasters. As a result of his role in developing this program, Johnray was selected as the first master instructor in the Nation.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Johnray Egelhoff. I commend his exceptional leadership and his distinguished service to the U.S. Postal Service. I thank him for his commitment to public service and I wish him the very best in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, the Student Aid Reward Act (STAR) was drafted to provide additional funds for students to meet the ever rising costs of a higher education. Let me first note that I understand that there is a difference of opinion as to the calculation of the savings from this legislation and I hope we can reach an agreement on how to assess the real and actual costs of both programs before its enactment. As always, I believe it is important that all legislation needs to occur through the regular Committee process where all sides have the opportunity to participate. It is important to know that I strongly support diversity and competition within the Federal student loan system. Competition within the student loan system includes not only competition among Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) providers, but also competition between the two Federal student loan programs. Each of these programs should be run in a manner that provides the best products and services to students, while being good stewards of taxpayer funds. I hope that strong tradition continues and believe this bill will act as a catalyst for open and productive dialogue with the ultimate goal of ensuring students are provided the financial aid package that will meet their financial and customer service needs.

The simple fact is that education is the single most important factor when it comes to equalizing opportunity and ensuring all students are able to achieve a better future. A well educated society is paramount to our global competitiveness and security here at home. Because education is so critical, I believe we have a duty to ensure it is available to all our citizens and we have an obligation to ensure we make thoughtful, careful and well informed decisions as the stewards of these critical financial aid programs.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of LCpl Raul S. Bravo, Jr. who died on Saturday, March 3, 2007, of injuries sustained in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lance Corporal Bravo, who was on his second tour of duty in Iraq, was killed by a roadside bomb during combat operations in the city of Qaim, Anbar province, Iraq. Lance Corporal Bravo was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center.

Lance Corporal Bravo, a 2004 graduate of Elko High School, was a hero whose desire to serve his country will forever make an impact on his family, his community and his country. He joined the United States Marine Corps to serve his country in the global war on terror. He will not only be remembered for his sacrifice and willing service, but for the extraordinary person that he was. His warmth and optimism brightened the lives of his family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of LCpl Raul S. Bravo, Jr. who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while fighting the war on terror and defending democracy and freedom.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Nila Speer, a member of a pioneering Las Vegas family, who passed away on February 19, 2007 at the age of 87.

Throughout her 87 years, Mrs. Speer was a dedicated member of the community and witnessed the City of Las Vegas develop into a major metropolitan area. Her civic commitment was evident in the many community organizations in which she was involved. Among the many organizations Nila was involved in were the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, of which she was a charter member, and the Mesquite Club.

Nila influenced the lives of countless young girls as director of the local Girl Scout Council and as PTA President of Mayfair Elementary School, Crestwood Elementary School and John C. Fremont Junior High School. As a politically active member of the community, Nila campaigned for numerous candidates and was most proud of her efforts for former Governor and U.S. Senator Richard Bryan. In addition to her civic work, Nila was also a devoted Sunday school teacher at the First Methodist Church.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and memory of Nila Speer. Her dedication to the community was commendable and the Las Vegas community will miss this significant resident.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Pastor Nathaniel Whitney.

Pastor Whitney was born in Tallulah, Louisiana on June 23, 1926 and was the twelfth of fourteen children. In 1944, at the age of 18, Nathaniel enlisted in the United States Army where he nobly served his country in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. Following 30 months of service in the armed forces, Nathanial was honorably discharged.

In 1951, Nathanial relocated to Las Vegas with his wife Carolyn. After arriving in Las Vegas, Nathaniel became involved with the Carver Baptist Church until 1965 when he became pastor of the Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to dedicating himself to his church, Nathaniel was very involved in a number of community and outreach organizations; such as, the National Baptist Convention, the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, the Pride of the West District

Association, the Ministers Alliance, and the local chapter of the

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Susan Bonney for her exceptional work at William B's Steakhouse formerly located in the Stardust.

Susan Bonney had worked for the Stardust for over 7 years. Over the course of her career with Boyd Gaming she catered to the needs of the high-end clientele at William B's until the close of this legendary property on November 1, 2006. Following the closure of William B's, Susan decided to stay with the Boyd Gaming Corp., because of its family-like style of business. Susan subsequently became the restaurant manager for the Orleans Hotel and Casino, continuing her distinguished career to providing great service and respect to the guests of the hotel while making their time in Las Vegas memorable. Susan has also recently been recognized by Casino Magazine for her many years of exceptional service.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Susan Bonney. Her professional successes and exemplary record of service are commendable. I applaud Susan for her leadership and wish her continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Randall Jensen, a recent recipient of the Boy Scouts of America's Silver Beaver Award.

Randall, an optometrist who performs Kindergarten eye screenings in the Moapa Valley school system, has been actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America since he was a child. In 1972, he earned the organization's highest Scout achievement when he was made an Eagle Scout. After enjoying the benefits of participating in the Boy Scouts, Randall returned to the organization in 1978 to work as an Assistant Scoutmaster. Today, Randall serves as chairman for the Anasazi District of the Las Vegas Area Council of Boy Scouts. Since volunteering with the Boy Scouts, his work as a Scout leader has driven him to assist youth who struggle fitting in with peer and social groups.

On February 15, 2007, Mr. Jensen was awarded with the Silver Beaver Award in recognition of his distinguished service to the organization. This award has been awarded since 1931 and represents the great work Randall has done with the Boy Scouts.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Randall Jensen. His dedication to the community through his work with the Boy Scouts is commendable and I congratulate him on being recognized with the Silver Beaver Award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Donald S. Kwalick, who will be retiring as the Chief Health Officer of the Southern Nevada Health District.

Dr. Kwalick has devoted more than 25 years to serving the community as a public health official. Dr. Kwalick earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University and his Medical Degree from New York University. He also attended Columbia University where he earned his Masters in Public Health.

Dr. Kwalick began his service to the community as a public health servant in the 1970s

when, for 2 years, he was the Medical Director of the Trenton (NJ) Neighborhood Health Center. Following this work, Dr. Kwalick served as the Assistant Commissioner of New Jersey's Department of Health. During the 1980s, he was the Hillsborough County Health Officer in Tampa, Florida. In 1990, Dr. Kwalick began his work for the State of Nevada when he became Nevada's State Health Officer, and eventually became the Chief Health Officer of the Southern Nevada Health District.

In addition to achievements in the public health field, Dr. Kwalick's career is also distinguished for his service as a Preventive Medicine Officer at Fort Bliss, Texas, during the Vietnam War and for his involvement in various professional associations. Dr. Kwalick is a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine, a Fellow of the American College of Physician Executive, and a Fellow of the American Public Health Association. He is also a Clark County Medical Society Delegate to the Nevada State Medical Association, NSMA, and Chairman of the NSMA Public Health Committee and President-Elect of the Clark County Medical Society.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Dr. Kwalick and his career. His dedication to the community is commendable and I wish him luck in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend Judy Reich for her efforts on behalf of the community.

For years, Judy has been working to educate and enrich the lives of the people of Southern Nevada. In her capacity as Program Director and Community Affairs Director of KVBC, Channel 3, Las Vegas; Judy has been instrumental in the production of programs such as ``Action Seniors,'' ``Youth!'' and directed Channel 3's Back to School Fair. Judy also established and coordinated Channel 3's Christmas Angel Tree Program and produced a number of Public Service Announcements.

In addition to her work at Channel 3, Judy has been very active in a number of community outreach, and philanthropic programs. Judy has served on the Marketing Committee and the Board of Directors of the Las Vegas Natural History Museum as well as on the Board of Directors of the After School All Starts Program. In addition, the Kids to Kids program and Desert Pines Middle School have all had the benefit of her leadership.

Among her many passions is her work with a number of public health awareness programs. For several of years, Judy has worked with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, where she has served on the Board of Directors, the Government Relations Committee, and as a volunteer lobbyist. Judy has also advocated for public health and awareness through her work with the American Heart Association.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor my friend Judy Reich. Her efforts on behalf of the Southern Nevada community have enriched countless lives and should be applauded. I thank her for her dedication and commitment and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend John James, a former Nevada State Climatologist who passed away on Monday, January 15, 2007.

John moved to Nevada in 1969 to help found the Sierra Nevada College at Incline Village. Soon thereafter, in 1971, John began work as a research associate for the Forest Institute for Ocean and Mountain Studies in Carson City. Following his work as a research associate, John taught at the University of Nevada, Reno where he was an associate professor of geography and served as chair of the University's Institutional Athletic Board.

John, whose interest in weather and climate patterns was sparked while serving as a military cartographer in Korea during the Korean war, was the State's climatologist for 23 years. In this capacity, John was able to study, maintain, and document the State's weather records through a network of volunteers. Under Governor Richard Bryan, John was appointed chairman of the Governor's Drought Committee when Nevada suffered during an extended drought period.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of my good friend John James. His record of dedicated service to the State of Nevada is admirable. He will be profoundly missed.