The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“IN HONOR OF VINZ KOLLER” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1267 on Sept. 14, 2016.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN HONOR OF VINZ KOLLER
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HON. SAM FARR
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable public service of Vinz Koller, who has worked tirelessly to strengthen and improve the American democratic process, both nationally and in Monterey County, California. As an immigrant who chose to be an American, Vinz embodies the core civic values of our nation's citizenship. Those of us who have had the great good fortune to have known Vinz over the years have all been touched by his tremendous integrity and boundless determination. So it is my pleasure to join with my Monterey County Democratic Party friends in recognizing Vinz for his invaluable support for strengthening democracy.
Vinz came to Monterey County to study at the Monterey Institute of International Studies after earning a BA in political science and English from the University of Zurich in Switzerland. Professionally, he is Director of Training and Technical Assistance at Social Policy Research Associates and is in frequent demand as trainer and facilitator on a wide range of workforce development related topics for the U.S. Department of Labor and state and local agencies. Vinz likes to hike the Big Sur coastline, paddle on the bay in his kayak, climb Sierra peaks on skis or ride the bike trails at the former Fort Ord. He is a passionate bread baker and for ten seasons has been singing in the Carmel Bach Festival chorus.
Vinz played an active role in the 2004 presidential campaign at the Democratic National Committee in Washington, DC, as well as Arizona and Oregon. This experience energized Vinz to improve the community level Democratic Party infrastructure in his home community. In 2004 and 2005, he was a vital member of the ``Boots Camp'' team that designed an ambitious new strategy that would establish the Monterey County Democrats as one of most effective central committees in California.
Later, Vinz set up a countywide precinct program for the Monterey County Democrats, managed the 2008 presidential and 2012 special election campaigns, and is currently working the 2016 campaign. Vinz chaired the Monterey County Democratic Central Committee from 2006 to 2016. In that capacity he led the way in executing and refining strategy as the local Democratic party helped elect a list of great Democratic candidates, train hundreds of volunteers, and establish a culture of excellence and integrity, which in turn has been instrumental in attracting many new members. He is currently the Campaign Coordinator for the Monterey County Democrats and Chair of the Democratic 27th Assembly District Committee and is on the Executive Board of the California Democratic Party.
Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for the whole House in thanking Vinz for his dedicated civic involvement. The strength of our Republic depends on the tireless efforts of the women and men like Vinz who make our democracy vibrant and representative.
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