[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 4] [Senate] [Page 4262] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO HERB TOBMAN Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of Herb Tobman, who passed away on Tuesday. Herb was from a different era of Las Vegas. The town was a lot smaller then, and everyone knew him as a successful businessman and a community leader. What impressed me most about Herb though was his quiet generosity that impacted the lives of countless Nevadans. I know that Las Vegas would not be the place it is today without Herb Tobman. I first saw Herb as a preteenager at Squires Park ballfield. He played fast-pitch softball in the Horseshoe Club championship league with my brother Dale. His athletic accomplishments were widely known: Herb was a high school all star in every sport. He was a champion handball and racquetball player, and later he went on to play professional basketball. Herb was born in the Bronx in 1924. In the 1950s, Herb moved to Las Vegas, where he secured a $1,200 loan. This small sum allowed Herb to open City Furniture Exchange, the first used furniture store in Las Vegas. The business thrived, and it was a Las Vegas landmark for more than 25 years. His success as a businessman led Herb to start Western Cab Company in 1965. Herb started with one cab, and ended with more than 134 taxicabs and 355 employees. Soon after, Herb took his business acumen to the gaming industry. He was an associate of Moe Dalitz, the developer of the original Desert Inn Hotel and Casino. Herb helped develop the Sundance Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas. Before the modern Las Vegas casinos were built, the Sundance was the tallest building on the Las Vegas skyline. In addition to these accomplishments, Herb also managed the Marina, Fremont, Aladdin, and Stardust resorts. Herb was known throughout the industry for his kindness and generosity to his employees. In addition to his business accomplishments, Herb was also an active participant in Nevada politics. In 1986, he ran in the Democratic gubernatorial primary against incumbent Richard Bryan. Instead of using his wealth to fuel his political aspirations, Herb limited contributions to $10 per individual. Needless to say, those limits put him at a competitive disadvantage, but Herb still managed to receive more than 15 percent of the primary vote. The vote total is a testament to Herb's reputation throughout the state. Accomplishments in business and politics would be enough for some men, but it was not enough for Herb. From an early age, Herb learned the importance of giving back to his community. Herb never sought recognition for his efforts, but he impacted almost every life in southern Nevada. Every year, during the holidays, Herb anonymously fed hundreds of homeless individuals in Las Vegas. He helped local children with their college expenses, and he helped people who were down on their luck. No challenge was too great. If Herb knew you needed help, he was there to provide it oftentimes unknown to his beneficiaries. I needed help on several occasions, and Herb was always available. Herb was my friend and I will miss him very much. There are many successful individuals throughout Nevada, but very few had the sense of community of Herb Tobman. Nevada is a better place because of Herb. ____________________