RECOGNIZING ALAN HAFFA'S CAREER AS A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT

RECOGNIZING ALAN HAFFA'S CAREER AS A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E28] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING ALAN HAFFA'S CAREER AS A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT ______ HON. JIMMY PANETTA of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alan Haffa, a dedicated public servant to the people of Monterey. Dr. Haffa's commitment to public service began at a young age as an Eagle Scout, where he learned valuable skills like leadership and service. Through this organization he met his wife, Arlene, to whom he has been married for 26 years and shares two children. After graduating from Monterey High School, Dr. Haffa received a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and M.A.'s in Comparative Literature and Classics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Following graduation, Dr. Haffa set out to work in the service of others. In 2004, in response to divisions within, the the local school district, Monterey Peninsula Unified (MPUSD), Dr. Haffa rose to the occasion and became a board member, steering the board in a clearer direction. He was influential in questioning district consultants regarding the construction of 11 new schools. Dr. Haffa had serious concerns regarding the number of children these schools would have and where residents would work. Had the district sold bonds for the new schools, the district would still be in debt today, and schools in Monterey would have had to close. The leadership that Dr. Haffa displayed, questioning out-of-state consultants, protected students and citizens. In addition to his community service, Dr. Haffa taught at Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) and directed the Gentrain Program, an interdisciplinary, team-taught course in civilization. At MPC he has served on the Faculty Senate and for the past two years he has been co- chair of the College Council, which is the highest advisory board to the college president. Dr. Haffa has also fought for lifelong learning at the college, and in 2011 he was the MPC Teachers Association faculty union co-negotiator. ____________________