Recognizing Larry ``The Grinch'' Stone
Floor Speech
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Mr. LICCARDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of myself and on behalf of my colleagues, Representatives Zoe Lofgren, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta, to recognize Larry Stone, who retired a few months ago as Santa Clara County's longest serving elected official.
Larry has been an extraordinary public servant, ethical role model, a mentor to many of us, and a friend to all.
Larry served in elected office for 46 years, 30 as Santa Clara County's assessor. He made the most of his notorious role as tax leveler, humorously egging on everyone to boo him at every civic and political event. He even wore a Grinch costume for many years in our annual Santa Run, sitting in the pace car with thousands of runners dressed up as Santas with beards on chasing him through the streets of downtown San Jose.
Larry's work was serious, however. He leaves behind an assessor's office that has become a national model for efficiency, responsiveness, and trustworthiness.
Larry's signature forthrightness made him the first phone call for local reporters looking for someone quotable. His willingness to call out malfeasance by the powerful made him a reliable advocate for good government. His prescient political sense--gathering Silicon Valley support for everyone from his successor, Neysa Fligor, to a little known southerner by the name of Bill Clinton--made him a local kingmaker.
In his retirement, Larry and his much-beloved wife, Carmen, will continue to generously support local nonprofits and the arts. Larry's example, however, continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of many, I thank Larry for his leadership, his mentorship, and his friendship. Honoring Arthur Herbert Hausman
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Mr. LICCARDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Arthur Herbert Hausman, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 102.
Our Nation owes Arthur a profound debt of gratitude for his lifetime of service. During World War II, Arthur served at Bletchley Park on Project ULTRA, helping decrypt enemy communications alongside Alan Turing and other legends of the era. Their work proved instrumental in securing the Allied victory in World War II.
Arthur later served as an electronic scientist with the Department of Defense and helped lay the foundation for the National Security Agency. His groundbreaking work in cryptography, secure communications, and technological innovation left an indelible mark on our national security institutions and made us all safer.
Arthur's greatest legacy lives through his family and the community that he helped build, including Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills.
His integrity, ingenuity, and patriotism will endure in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and a grateful nation.
Madam Speaker, may his memory be a blessing.
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