Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chris Meyer, the Vice President of Convention Center Sales for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority.

In his role with the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Chris has effectively promoted and implemented important programs which have marketed Las Vegas as a trade show destination. As a result of his efforts through Trade Show Trade Mission, the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority has marketed Las Vegas as a destination for trade shows for organizations such as the Consumer Electronics Show, the National Association of Broadcasters, Magic, and ConAg/ConExpo.

By helping to redefine Las Vegas as a trade show destination, Chris and the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority have increased Las Vegas tourism and revenue. As a result of Chris's Trade Mission, international tourism has increased as well. According to estimations, as a result of the Trade Missions to Brazil and China, an additional 3,000 Brazilian and Chinese tourists have visited the Las Vegas area. This alone has led to approximately $4,515,000 of revenue for the Las Vegas area.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Chris Meyer and his many achievements. His dedication to the Las Vegas community is commendable and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend Tim Snow for his long and distinguished career at Thomas & Mack Development Group.

Tim began his work with the Thomas & Mack Development Group in California during the mid-1980s and soon after moved to Las Vegas where he was instrumental in implementing extensive land development projects. Tim is responsible for developing a 100-acre area of land near McCarren International Airport into the McCarren Center. Today, the McCarren Center is comprised of 30 buildings and nearly 2 million square feet of office and light industrial space.

During his tenure at Thomas & Mack Development, Mr. Snow also developed a 20-acre ranch which today stands as the headquarters for Harrah's Entertainment. While with the Thomas & Mack Development Group, Mr. Snow oversaw the development of the Blue Diamond Ranches, the Eastgate Plaza, and the Nevada Financial Center. Mr. Snow also shares an ownership position in the important 100-acre Northern Beltway Industrial Center. Throughout his long and illustrious career with the Thomas & Mack Development Group, Tim has guided the expansion of the Las Vegas Valley and his vision has led to the development of a mature business and thriving community.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor my good friend Tim Snow. His dedication to the Las Vegas community is commendable and I applaud his distinguished record of success. I wish him the best in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kathleen Boutin for her leadership as director of Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth.

For the past 7 years, the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth has provided a safe and secure environment for abused and neglected children. At their facility, the Partnership provides a nurturing environment that teaches these children life skills and provides them with new opportunities for success.

Under Kathleen's leadership and direction, the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth operates two Safe Place programs, two drop-in centers and two additional centers are being constructed. In 2005, Nevada Partnership was responsible for Clark County's first count of homeless youth. This past year, they have assisted over 1,500 homeless youths. The Partnership also provides Nevada's homeless youth with medical care, emergency shelter services, long-term residential programs and the opportunity to transform their lives.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Kathleen Boutin for her leadership of the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth. The service that she and her organization provide for the area's homeless youth is laudable. I applaud Kathleen for her leadership and wish her continued success in their efforts to improve the lives of our cities' youth.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Susan Lindquist for receiving DRI's Nevada Medal for 2007.

Dr. Lindquist has spent decades researching the causes and possible treatments for neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease, and Mad-Cow disease. Through the course of her research, Dr. Lindquist has made significant contributions to biological research methodology and clinical treatment. Like many great scientists, Dr. Lindquist has also had to find new strategies and revolutionary tactics, such as transforming the practice of Drosophila genetics, thereby producing the first precise method of inserting and deleting genes in a higher organism.

Over the course of her long and illustrious career, Dr. Lindquist has served as a professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago and as the Albert D. Lasker Professor of Medical Science from 1999-2001. Dr. Lindquist is also a member, and former director, of the Whitehead Institute, a professor of biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. Among her many accolades, Dr. Lindquist was named one of Discover magazine's top 50 woman scientists in 2002, and Scientific American's top 50.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Dr. Susan Lindquist and her achievements. Her contributions to medical science and biological research are truly extraordinary. I applaud her efforts and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Kathleen McDonough Ward and in recognition of a new elementary school being named in her honor.

Kathleen began teaching in Peoria, Illinois, in 1969. In 1973, she moved to Las Vegas where she started making an impact as a substitute teacher for the Clark County School District. Three years later she taught full time at Paul Culley, Rex Bell, and Helen Her Elementary Schools. It was at Helen Her Elementary where she became very committed to a multi-age teaching concept that impacted students lives.

In addition to her significant achievements as an educator, Kathleen has also been very active in the civic community. She was an active member in the Junior Mesquite Women's Club and served as chairwoman for the Community Improvement Project for the Nevada Federation of Women's Clubs. Kathleen helped to organize the Readers/Writers group which has been in existence for over 10 years. Kathleen also organized projects to bring substantial contributions to the Candle Lighters to assist children with cancer. In 1993, after receiving her master's degree from the University of Las Vegas, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and subsequently retired in 1999. Sadly, in 2002, Kathleen lost her battle with cancer.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of Kathleen McDonough Ward.

Her dedication to education and commitment to her fellow citizens was commendable.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Case, a veteran of World War II, for his exemplary service in defense of freedom and award him with the Jubilee of Liberty Medal.

On June 6, 1944 the United States and its allies embarked on the largest air, land, and sea invasion ever undertaken. This massive effort included 5,000 ships, 10,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 American, British, Canadian, Free French, and Polish Troops. During the 50th anniversary of this historic event, the French Government awarded the Jubilee of Liberty Medal to American servicemen for their participation in the Battle of Normandy.

Richard served in the United States Army, 101st Airborne Division. On June 6, 1944, he landed on Utah Beach as part of the Normandy invasion and saw 21 consecutive days of combat. For his heroism and valor, Richard was awarded the Purple Heart, two Bronze Service Stars, and the Oak Leaf Cluster with Distinguished Unit Badge. In addition, on the 50th anniversary of D-Day, Richard, along with 21 of the original paratroopers, jumped at Utah Beach.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Richard Case for his heroic service in the United States Military. His dedication to this country in the theater of war is truly exemplary. I commend the sacrifices he has made to protect our freedoms and I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize his service. I applaud Richard Case for his successes and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor William Fine, a veteran of World War II, for his exemplary service in defense of freedom and award him with the Jubilee of Liberty Medal.

On June 6, 1944 the United States and its allies embarked on the largest air, land, and sea invasion ever undertaken. This massive effort included 5,000 ships, 10,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 American, British, Canadian, Free French, and Polish Troops. During the 50th anniversary of this historic event, the French Government awarded the Jubilee of Liberty Medal to American servicemen for their participation in the Battle of Normandy.

William served in the United States Army, Company G, 318th Infantry Division and served in Central Europe, Ardennes and the Rhineland. For his heroism and valor, William was awarded the American Service Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Service Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor William Fine for his heroic service in the United States Military. His dedication to this country in the theater of war is truly exemplary. I commend the sacrifices he has made to protect our freedoms and I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize his service. I applaud William Fine for his successes and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Glans, a veteran of World War II, for his exemplary service in defense of freedom and award him with the Jubilee of Liberty Medal.

On June 6, 1944 the United States and its allies embarked on the largest air, land, and sea invasion ever undertaken. This massive effort included 5,000 ships, 10,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 American, British, Canadian, Free French, and Polish Troops. During the 50th anniversary of this historic event, the French Government awarded the Jubilee of Liberty Medal to American servicemen for their participation in the Battle of Normandy.

Robert served in the United States Army, 60th Infantry Regiment and served in Normandy, Northern France, and the Rhineland. For his heroism and valor, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, the WWII Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Robert Glans for his heroic service in the United States Military. His dedication to this country in the theater of war is truly exemplary. I commend the sacrifices he has made to protect our freedoms and I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize his service. I applaud Robert Glans for his successes and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor William Dean Whitaker, a veteran of World War II, for his exemplary service in defense of freedom and award him with the Jubilee of Liberty Medal.

On June 6, 1944, the United States and its allies embarked on the largest air, land, and sea invasion ever undertaken. This massive effort included 5,000 ships, 10,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 American, British, Canadian, Free French, and Polish Troops. During the 50th anniversary of this historic event, the French Government awarded the Jubilee of Liberty Medal to American servicemen for their participation in the Battle of Normandy.

William served in the United States Army Air Corps, 603rd Bomb Squadron, 398th Bomb Group as a Bombardier and Navigator and served in Normandy, Northern France and the Rhineland. On October 15, 1944, his B-17 was shot down over Merseburg, Germany; while parachuting to earth, he received hostile fire and was captured and held as a prisoner of war for 7 months. For his heroism and valor, William was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Service Medal, and the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.

In 2004, during a POW/MIA ceremony held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, William finally received the Purple Heart for his injuries and sacrifices while a Prisoner of War during World War II.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor William Whitaker for his heroic service in the United States Military. His dedication to this country in the theater of war is truly exemplary. I commend the sacrifices he has made to protect our freedoms and I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize his service. I applaud William Whitaker for his successes and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor William Schantz, a veteran of World War II, for his exemplary service in defense of freedom and award him with the Jubilee of Liberty Medal.

On June 6, 1944 the United States and its allies embarked on the largest air, land, and sea invasion ever undertaken. This massive effort included 5,000 ships, 10,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 American, British, Canadian, Free French, and Polish Troops. During the 50th anniversary of this historic event, the French Government awarded the Jubilee of Liberty Medal to American servicemen for their participation in the Battle of Normandy.

William served in the United States Army Air Corps, 36th Fighter Group and served in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe Air Offensive Europe. William also served behind enemy lines with the Tactical Air Force, providing integral support to troops on the ground, and supporting General Patton's troops in theater. For his heroism and valor, he was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Service Medal, the Distinguished Unit Badge with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor William Schantz for his heroic service in the United States Military. His dedication to this country in the theater of war is truly exemplary. I commend the sacrifices he has made to protect our freedoms and I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize his service. I applaud William Schantz for his successes and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Amber Cornelius Drabant for her long and distinguished service to the Clark County School District.

Amber was educated in the Clark County School District where she attended Twin Lakes Elementary School, R.O. Gibson Junior High School and graduated from Western High School. In 1976, Mrs. Drabant returned to Western High School to teach courses in Biology, Botany, Welding, and Environmental Horticulture. In 1993 Mrs. Drabant began teaching Environmental Horticulture at the Area Technical Trade Center. During her tenure at the Trade Center, Amber sought to provide her students with the opportunities to participate in various internships where they gain real-world experiences which prepare them for positions in the horticulture industry and postsecondary school education.

Amber has received both state and local recognition for her many years as a skilled educator. In 1979, she was named as Nevada's Vocational Teacher of the Year and in 1993-94 and 1995-96 Mrs. Drabant was honored as the Kiwanis Teacher of the Year. Finally, as a direct result of Amber's efforts, Area Technical Trade Center and Moapa Valley High School received a $37,000 grant to establish a hydroponics program.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Mrs. Amber Cornelius Drabant. Her many years of dedicated service to the Clark County School District are to be commended and I wish her the best of luck in her retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Joseph Bonaventure, for his years of dedicated public service to the Las Vegas community.

Judge Bonaventure began his legal career as an attorney in Las Vegas over three decades ago. Joseph then felt that his calling was public service and began a 28-year tenure on the bench. He is known as one of the most colorful judges in the history of Southern Nevada and easily the most well known judge

the District Court bench has seen. Joseph has presided over many of the region's most high-profile trials. From 1998 until 2001 he oversaw at least 10 high profile cases including the infamous case of Rick Tabish, Sandy Murphy, Margaret Rudin, Timmy ``T.J.'' Weber, and Jeremy Strohmeyer. He has also presided over the murder trial of Tony Amati who was once on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted List. His contributions to the jurisprudence and law and order have greatly enhanced the lives of countless citizens of Southern Nevada.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Judge Joseph Bonaventure. His long and distinguished career on the District Court is admirable and his expertise will be greatly missed. I wish him the best in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Mr. Adam Schultheis, an exceptional music teacher at Boulder City High School whose work has recently earned him a student-nominated Outstanding American Teacher Honor Roll.

For more than 20 years Adam has served the students of Boulder City with his dedication and commitment to excellence in music education. Adam earned his bachelor's degree in music education and performance at the University of Arizona Tucson while studying on a full scholarship. He then went on to earn his

master's degree in elementary education from Nova University in Florida.

Adam began his teaching career in Boulder City at Elton Garrett Elementary School before moving to Boulder City High School where he currently teaches. Adam is recognized by students and parents alike for his patience, kindness, and knowledge. His efforts have earned him many awards including the prestigious Disney American Teacher Award and the Veterans of Foreign Wars' National Citizenship Education Teachers Award.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor my friend Mr. Adam Schultheis and his many achievements. His dedication to the community and to music education is remarkable. I wish Mr. Schultheis continued success in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Steven G. Schorr, Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for

Cox Communications, whose civic and professional contributions to Southern Nevada have motivated the Clark County School Board of Trustees to name a new elementary school in his honor. Steven has been a vital part of our community since he and wife, Holly, moved to Las Vegas with their two sons, David and Darrin, in 1977.

Mr. Schorr's remarkable civic involvement has earned him much deserved recognition. He has been named Public Citizen of the Year in Nevada and was cited as ``One of the Most Influential Men in Southern Nevada.'' Mr. Schorr has also received the Glenn Smith Humanitarian Award from Opportunity Village and was named to the ``National Erase the Hate'' honor roll. He was presented the Nevada Points of Light A ward by former Governor Kenny Guinn and the Nevada Commission for National and Community Service for his dedication and commitment to serve our community. In acknowledgement of his contributions to the community, Mr. Schorr was recently inducted as an honorary board member and executive board member of the 100 Black Men of Southern Nevada, which is an organization geared towards mentoring children. Mr. Schorr serves on several boards such as the National Urban League, Nevada Ballet Theater, and Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.

As Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for Cox Communications for the past 19 years, Mr. Schorr is the liaison to local, state and national elected officials and government bodies. Prior to his work with Cox Communications, Mr. Schorr was a television news journalist, during which time he received wide recognition for his outstanding work. For his efforts as a news anchor, Mr. Schorr was awarded two Emmys, two National Freedom Foundation Awards, a Headliner Award, and an Armstrong Award for Broadcasting. In addition to these awards, Mr. Schorr's achievements in television journalism were recognized when he was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Association's Hall of Fame. Mr. Schorr has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Greenspun School of Communications.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor my friend Mr. Schorr and his many achievements and congratulate him on being recognized with the dedication of a school in his name. His dedication to the community is remarkable and I wish Mr. Schorr continued success in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor my friend Rossi Ralenkotter for his commitment and dedication to the Las Vegas community.

Rossi Ralenkotter has been a resident of Las Vegas for over 54 years. During this time, Rossi earned his bachelor of science in marketing from Arizona State University and his master of business administration from University of Nevada Las Vegas. He has worked with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors

Authority for 33 years, and is currently serving as the President and CEO. Rossi has previously served as the Authority's executive vice president and senior vice president of marketing. He is also an active member of a number of professional associations, such as, the International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, the American Society of Association Executive and the Hotel Sales Marketing Association.

During his long and distinguished career, Rossi has received numerous accolades; most recently the Las Vegas Ad Club inducted him into the Las Vegas Advertising Hall of Fame for his lifetime marketing achievements. Rossi has also been honored by the American Marketing Association and the Travel and Tourism Research Association with Lifetime Achievement awards, and in 2004 he was selected by Brandweek Magazine as the Grand Marketer of the year. On Sunday, February 25, 2007, Rossi is being honored as the ``Man of the Year'' at the 79th Annual Academy Awards Oscar Night America and Arthritis Foundation Ceremony.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor my friend Rossi Ralenkotter for his considerable contributions to the success and expansion of the Las Vegas community. I commend his professional and personal commitment to southern Nevada. I applaud his efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavors.