December 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1079 Clark has also served as a mentor to so many RECOGNIZING MISS EMMA VANA es her students to listen and connect with one women in public service, both in New Hamp- OF PUNTA GORDA another and broadens their worldview, helping shire politics and across the nation through them reach their full potential. her involvement with the Democratic National HON. W. GREGORY STEUBE In her work, Mrs. Wyffels has created more Committee. OF FLORIDA equitable conditions for teachers and students in the Chandler Unified School District, in our Throughout her career, Senator Fuller Clark IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES community, and throughout . Since she has been a champion for women’s rights and Wednesday, December 2, 2020 began teaching, her tireless devotion to stu- equality, always standing up to advocate for Mr. STEUBE. Madam Speaker, I rise today dents has served as an example of what can reproductive rights and to make all work- to recognize Miss Emma Vana for her out- be accomplished when young adults are em- places, including New Hampshire’s State standing efforts to show appreciation to our powered with the tools to explore, discover, House, more accommodating and welcoming. law enforcement officers. and achieve their highest aspirations. Mrs. In addition, Senator Fuller Clark has been a Emma is a 9-year-old resident of Punta Wyffels’ students leave her classroom and leader on energy and environmental issues, Gorda, Florida. Since July, Emma has handed enter the world with a greater appreciation for putting forth ambitious and durable ap- out over 250 homemade blue line flags to law the differences that make us all unique, a proaches to put our state on a pathway to a enforcement officers across Florida to thank deep respect for others, and a passion for cre- low-carbon future. She has been a stalwart them for their service to our community. She ating positive change as global citizens. supporter of the arts and historic preservation, has passed out flags in Alachua, Charlotte, I am proud to recognize Mrs. Wyffels for her and I know her commitment to these issues Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Hamilton, Hendry, extraordinary service and the difference she will continue through her involvement with Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Polk, Sarasota, has made both inside and outside the class- Strawbery Banke and the National Trust for and Suwanee Counties so far. However, this room. She is a National Board-Certified Historic Preservation. is only the start for her efforts to give our Teacher and a member of the Chandler Edu- While Senator Fuller Clark may be stepping members of law enforcement the appreciation cation Association. Mrs. Wyffels chose to be- away from elected office, I know she will con- and support they deserve. come a teacher to inspire and help change the tinue to serve our community in many ways. When asked why she appreciates law en- lives of her students, and we are all grateful On behalf of my constituents in New Hamp- forcement officers, Emma explains that they for her work as a teacher, role model, and shire’s First Congressional District, I thank ‘‘put bad people in jail and protect our commu- mentor. I wish her the best as she continues Senator Fuller Clark and her family for their nities.’’ As Emma understands, Florida is to inspire her students to create a better and decades of dedication to our state. The Gran- home to some of our nation’s finest law en- brighter future for Arizona. ite State is a better place because of the pub- forcement officers who risk their lives every f lic service of Senator Martha Fuller Clark. day to ensure our communities and families are safe. HONORING THE CAREER OF MONICA RUSSO f Emma’s effort to show appreciation comes during a time when law enforcement officers HONORING VALERIE EMICK FOR across the country face threats and physical HON. HER LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO attacks from those calling to defund the police. OF FLORIDA CONSERVATIVE PRINCIPLES Emma should be a role model for all Florid- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ians and Americans in standing up to defend Wednesday, December 2, 2020 the police, not defund them. HON. PAUL COOK I am honored to have the privilege to rep- Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam resent outstanding constituents such as Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to OF CALIFORNIA Emma. Her selfless acts of kindness inspire all recognize the remarkable career of Monica Russo. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of us as she continues to go above and be- yond for Floridians. It is individuals like her After decades of service, Ms. Russo is retir- Wednesday, December 2, 2020 who make Florida and America great. ing as Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU f United Healthcare Workers East—the largest Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to local union in the nation representing more honor Valerie Emick, a lifelong conservative HONORING SARA WYFFELS AS AR- than 400,000 healthcare workers in five states advocate and outgoing president of the Hi- IZONA’S 2021 TEACHER OF THE and more than 25,000 healthcare workers in Desert Republican Women Federated. YEAR Florida. Valerie has served the Hi-Desert Republican Ms. Russo is recognized for having led the Women Federated in various capacities for HON. GREG STANTON most successful private sector healthcare over two decades. Her tenure with the chapter OF ARIZONA union organizing campaign in the southeastern has been marked by an expansion in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES United States, now known as 1199SEIU Flor- ida. Under her leadership, 1199SEIU Florida club’s membership, a commitment to serving Wednesday, December 2, 2020 the community, and a strong focus on con- has grown to represent more than 35,000 servative values. More recently, she has been Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to healthcare workers and retirees in more than responsible for securing outstanding speakers honor and congratulate Sara Wyffels for being 100 hospitals and nursing homes across the for Hi-Desert Republican Women Federated named the 2021 Arizona Teacher of the Year state—becoming the largest union of events, including conservative commentator by the Arizona Educational Foundation. Mrs. healthcare workers in Florida and the southern Wyffels has dedicated her 14-year career to Dinesh D’Souza and Benghazi survivor Kris United States. serving her students and community as a ‘‘Tanto’’ Paranto. She has also led the com- She also serves as International Vice Presi- Spanish teacher at Chandler High School. dent of the Service Employees International munity in supporting our first responders, Her selection for Teacher of the Year comes Union and as President of the SEIU Florida which included purchasing billboard space at a time when Arizona’s educators face un- State Council, where she politically unites thanking law enforcement for their hard work precedented challenges, yet Mrs. Wyffels has more than 55,000 active and retired SEIU protecting our community. In addition to her risen to the occasion each step of the way. members from bus drivers and janitors to work with the Hi-Desert Republican Women Every day, Mrs. Wyffels puts her students first healthcare workers. Federated, Valerie is also an elected member and strives to motivate and inspire through Through Monica Russo’s leadership, of the San Bernardino County Republican boundless enthusiasm, kindness, and compas- 1199SEIU Florida members are the go-to Party Central Committee, a position she was sion. Although this past school year was un- base to ‘‘make things happen.’’ Her emphasis resoundingly re-elected to earlier this year. like any other for teachers throughout our on multi-cultural leadership development and Valerie is the epitome of a grassroots, con- country, she continued to bring new ideas and grassroots, member-driven organization build- servative champion. Her hard work has ad- life to her classroom, both in-person and vir- ing has given a voice and power to healthcare vanced our principles and beliefs in the High tually. Her lessons immerse students in a new workers, women, immigrants, working-class, Desert for decades, and as I depart Congress, culture and emphasize the power of language professionals and low-wage workers. I am happy to take this chance to honor her in forming human connections. Mrs. Wyffels From raising quality standards for 80,000 el- work and achievements. pulls from her own experiences as she teach- derly residents in Florida’s nursing homes to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:35 Dec 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A02DE8.009 E02DEPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with REMARKS E1080 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 2, 2020 passing cutting-edge legislation which in- would not be here today as a Member of Con- We on the Central Coast are grateful for his creased the state minimum wage for millions gress but for Francois’ efforts, talent and ca- lifetime of service to the City of Soledad and of workers, Monica has dedicated her life’s pabilities. I am honored to call him a friend 20 years as a public official. Madam Speaker, work to protecting voter rights, mobilizing and colleague. Together with Chrissy, they I ask that my colleagues in the House join me some of the largest civil rights protests in Flor- serve as an example of the character, capa- in honoring and congratulating Mayor Fred- ida’s history, reducing class sizes in Florida’s bility and professionalism that serves our na- erick Ledesma. schools, advocating for immigrants’ rights, im- tion well. plementing safe staffing levels in Florida’s As the Chief of Staff, Francois has shown f nursing homes and led the charge to institute great skill in leading our team to best serve the state’s first early voting process so work- the interests of the Central Valley. His tireless HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY ing people can make their votes count. work serving all our communities is invaluable, OF MS. SHEILA PAUL Her commitment to building new leaders and his strong leadership and foresight should and developing a legacy of partnership and be emulated by all. Francois’ efforts have collaboration in Florida has helped build an in- turned our office into a family, and our team HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS fluential grassroots political base. She was the is grateful for all he has done. OF FLORIDA first labor leader to serve as a commissioner I offer my warmest congratulations and best on Florida’s Commission for Women and was wishes to Francois and Chrissy as they begin IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES named the Top 40 Most Powerful Democrats this new chapter in their lives. We all join their by Politics Magazine in 2009. family and friends in celebrating this wonderful Wednesday, December 2, 2020 Ms. Russo has served on the South Florida milestone. I ask my colleagues in the U.S. Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise Workforce Investment Board, Florida Inter- House of Representatives to join me in cele- today to honor the life and legacy of Ms. Shei- brating this couple as they continue to build a national University’s Research Institute for So- la Paul. Sheila loved three things in her life: happy, healthy life together. cial and Economic Policy and has worked God, her family, and serving others. As a de- closely with me as a trusted and valued advi- f voted member of the Usher and Diaconness sor to my Healthcare Working Group. teams for over 40 years, it is clear that The daughter of Lincoln University profes- HONORING MAYOR FREDERICK Sheila’s incredibly strong and caring soul sors, Monica grew up in rural Pennsylvania LEDESMA made her a central part of her community. We and speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Haitian Kreyol. She graduated HON. have lost a great leader, a tremendous moth- er, and a dear friend. magna cum laude from Georgetown University OF CALIFORNIA and lives in Miami with her daughter, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Sheila dedicated her life to God and to oth- Giovanna. Wednesday, December 2, 2020 ers. She radiated a vibrant, tenacious spirit Monica Russo’s commitment to our nation’s that made it known she was a child of God, working families is exemplary, and I am proud Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today drove her to serve, and that infected others. to call her my sister and dear and treasured to honor retiring Mayor of Soledad, Frederick Her spirituality was present in everything she friend. I will miss her guidance and wisdom, ‘‘Fred’’ Ledesma, for his outstanding career in did and anyone that met her knew she was but our loss is her family’s gain. I wish her a public service and his commitment to the peo- grounded in her faith. Her courage and deter- hearty congratulations on her retirement and ple of the central coast of California. His pro- mination was evident when she journeyed fessional accomplishments and leadership in am grateful for her invaluable work. from Saint Louis du Nord, Haiti to Freeport, the community over the span of two decades f Bahamas and finally to the United States. She have profoundly touched the lives of many, embodied the immigrant spirit and the Amer- PERSONAL EXPLANATION and I congratulate him on his retirement. ican dream. Sheila carried her successful Fred has been a lifelong resident of the City business to Fort Lauderdale, and expanded it HON. of Soledad. Following in the footsteps of his father, Frank Ledesma, Fred served on the into a thriving storefront and ventured into real OF MICHIGAN Soledad City Council from 1990 to 2000. He estate, forever embedding her legacy in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES then held the position of Mayor of the City of community. Wednesday, December 2, 2020 Soledad from 1992 to 1994 prior to returning Sheila forged strong connections with every- Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise to the office in 2010. During his time serving one she met and exemplified what it means to today regarding missed votes due to a death the City of Soledad, Fred has been heavily in- be a child of Christ through her generosity and in the family. Had I been present for rollcall volved in a number of notable projects, includ- kindness. She would feed anyone who came vote number 225, On Agreeing to the Rep. ing the Soledad Community Center, Vosti, to her house and extended her hand to any- LEVIN of Michigan Part B Amendment No. 9 Gallardo and Aaroe Park improvements, the one in need. She always went above and be- for the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, I Soledad Visitor’s Center, the pending multi- yond to improve the lives of those around her. would have voted ‘‘nay.’’ Had I been present theater cinema, the Soledad Hartnell Campus To Sheila, family was of the upmost impor- for roll call vote number 226, On Agreeing to and Orchard Lane Park, and the recent cre- tance. She was the proud wife of the late the Rep. SMUCKER of Pennsylvania Part B ation of the Veterans Day Banner Program. Alberto Michael Joseph and the proud mother Amendment No. 15 for the National Appren- Additionally, Fred has been a diligent voice for of eight biological children: Alberta, Duval, ticeship Act of 2020, I would have voted farmworker rights as well as a strong advocate Rosianne, Ilinda, Ancelot (AJ), Guillene, Ber- ‘‘yea.’’ Had I been present for roll call vote No. for the passage of Measures Y and S, which nadette, and Carole. As an immigrant she 227, On Passage of the bill National Appren- will benefit the City and its residents for many faced many hardships and made great sac- years to come. ticeship Act of 2020, and for other purposes, rifices for her children, and strove to improve In addition to serving on numerous local and I would have voted ‘‘nay.’’ the circumstances of all, so they may benefit regional boards, including the City Parks & f from an education, an opportunity she valued Recreation Committee, the Chair of the Asso- immensely. In addition to her immediate fam- WEDDING CONGRATULATIONS FOR ciation of California Cities Allied with Public ily, she was the adopted mother to hundreds FRANCOIS GENARD AND CHRIS- Safety, the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution of children which she considered her own. TINE SASTRI Control District, and the Monterey County Sheila was a caring and selfless mother to all Mayors Association, Fred has also been a who had the privilege to know her. She was HON. TJ COX friend to many in his community. He is well known by all for his outgoing demeanor, sense a true trailblazer, a steady leader and care- OF CALIFORNIA giver, and lived her life the way we should all IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of humor, and respect for all. He has truly demonstrated a deep connection and commit- strive to, with an abundance of love. Wednesday, December 2, 2020 ment to his community, which has been felt by Madam Speaker, Ms. Sheila Paul has in- Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I everyone who has had the pleasure of meet- deed left an indelible mark on her loved ones rise to recognize and congratulate Mr. Fran- ing him. and her community, and it will be present for cois Genard and Ms. Christine Sastri on their As he begins his retirement, I have no doubt future generations to come. She will be dearly upcoming wedding in September of 2021. I that Fred will continue to serve his community. missed.

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