[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 7884] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN RECOGNITION OF SANDY LUCAS ______ HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, it is with the greatest pleasure that I rise today to honor a woman who has become a fixture in local politics in my District. Sandy Lucas is not an elected official or a paid political operative, but has become what can only be described as the voice of common sense in our community. After graduating from the University of Arizona, with a bachelor's degree in history, Sandy began her career in public service in 1974 as Director of the Counseling Job Corps in San Jose. In 1975, she became Director of Polydrug Abuse and Heroin Detox for Santa Clara County. By 1976, Sandy had obtained her license as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She currently serves as the Director of Family and Probate for Stanislaus County. While Sandy's list of professional achievements is lengthy, it is her accomplishments as a volunteer on local government boards that make her the ``go to'' person when gauging the pulse of the community. As a member of the Modesto School Bond Committee, she worked to successfully pass much needed school bonds. She has served for 6 years on the Stanislaus County Commission on Aging, and most recently acted as a member of the Modesto City Charter Review Committee, working hard to update antiquated rules governing a city of more than 200,000. Sandy Lucas has also been active on a statewide level with the Democratic Party. She spent several years as a California Democratic Party Regional Director, ensuring the voice of California's Central Valley was heard by party leaders. Being heard has never been a problem for Sandy Lucas. Her quick wit, tempered reactions, and oh so colorful responses to various occurrences in our community have garnered the respect of area leaders. Sandy's training as a mediator has served her well in politics and given her the ability to see highly divisive issues from every angle, thus bringing workable solutions to the table. On May 2, 2008, Sandy will receive the coveted Liberty Bell Award from the Stanislaus County Bar Association for all of the aforementioned reasons. Sandy has been a gem to our community, and I am honored, Madam Speaker, to have this opportunity to thank her for her selfless service and wish her the very best in continued community involvement. ____________________