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House members pay tribute to Attao
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Posted on Jan 02 2006
Members of the House of Representatives paid tribute on Friday to Rep. Jesus T. Attao, who will be retiring after serving as a lawmaker for 16 years.
Rep. Heinz Hofschneider, the second longest serving representative in the House, headed the tribute to Attao, leading the other legislators in a brief standing ovation for their retiring colleague during the last session of the 14th House.
ÅgCongressman Attao is a special kind of politician. He does not know the word ‘cannot’. He always finds a way to get things done,Åh Hofschneider said.
Freshman representative Clyde K. Norita described Attao and Floor Leader Oscar Babauta as the ÅggodfathersÅh of the 14th House. ÅgThey always seem to know what’s going on,Åh he said.
Babauta said he learned a trick or two from Attao on getting difficult bills on the floor.
For his part, Vice Speaker and lieutenant governor-elect Timothy Villagomez said Attao, along with Hofschneider and Rep. David Apatang, taught him how to be a congressman.
He also invited Attao and Apatang, both relatives of his, for a get-together soon. ÅgOur family stood a big test this past election,Åh he noted.
Villagomez, who is Speaker and governor-elect Benigno R. Fitial’s running mate in the Nov. 5 election, competed for the top government post against three other tandems, including that of independent candidates Hofschneider and Apatang.
Villagomez ran under the banner of the Covenant Party. Attao is a Republican.
Attao will be leaving public service after serving for 16 years. He has worked with four administrations and eight sets of lawmakers.
Attao, who worked under Fitial’s leadership in the 12th and 14th House, commended the governor-elect for his leadership. ÅgYou have done an excellent job. Because of your leadership, there were 98 bills enacted into law during the past two years,Åh he told Fitial.
He said he would be willing to provide Fitial any assistance even when he has retired.
He also urged House members who would be returning in the 15th Legislature to pass a law focusing on the economy.
