[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18] [Senate] [Page 23581] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO BOB McGOWAN Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Bob McGowan, the Washoe County assessor. After more than 24 years in office, Bob will retire this year as the longest serving elected department head in the county. His personable demeanor and dedication to service will be missed. Bob has been a resident of Nevada for more than 38 years. After working in the Nevada Attorney General's office, Bob made the first of many successful runs for elected office. In 1982, the citizens of Washoe County elected him as their county assessor. For more than two decades, Bob has presided over the growth of Washoe County. From the rising real estate values at Lake Tahoe to the rapid development in the city of Reno, Bob has sought to provide fairness for Washoe County residents. Most importantly, Bob has never forgotten that the goal of elected office is service. After his election in 2002, he told the Reno-Gazette Journal: ``From the first day I went in office, we've always been a public service organization, not just a property appraisal.'' Under Bob's guidance, the assessor's office has become more responsive to Washoe County Residents. For example, Bob moved the assessor's office into the digital age, and residents of Washoe County can now access many forms online. Bob has also worked to save the taxpayers money, trimming his own budget to return more than $2 million to the Washoe County general fund. As the county assessor, Bob has always been in tune with the issues of Washoe County. He has navigated controversies over rising property values with ease, taking the time to talk with people he serves. To this day, residents are amazed that Bob is so approachable and accessible. He can quickly put a visitor at ease with his humble demeanor and his frequent jokes. In fact, I cannot recall a time that I have met with Bob when he hasn't told me a funny anecdote or story. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bob is a dedicated part of his community. He has served as president for Habitat for Humanity and as an executive board member of the alumni organization for the University of Nevada, Reno. Additionally, as the president of Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful organization, he led an effort to protect the pristine areas surrounding Lake Tahoe. While working to improve Washoe County, Bob also raised three wonderful children in Reno. A few years ago, I had the privilege to host his daughter Megan in my Washington office as an intern. Mr. President, Bob McGowan has been an important part of northern Nevada for more than two decades. His retirement will leave large shoes to fill, but I am confident that Bob will continue to improve Washoe County for many years to come. It is my great pleasure to offer my congratulations to Bob and the McGowan family. ____________________