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Biography of Congressman and RPCV Sam Farr
Sam Farr, a fifth-generation Californian, represents the state's beautiful Central Coast. His district encompasses the majestic Big Sur coastline; the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary; the fertile Salinas Valley "salad bowl;" the redwoods, mountains and beaches of Santa Cruz County, and the majestic rural landscape of San Benito County.
The health and wealth of this region are attributable to Rep. Farr's focus on the environment, education and the economy. Taken collectively, these "three e's" have defined the congressman's record and propelled the economic growth of the 17th District during his tenure.
Once beset by a lackluster economy and the biggest military base closing in the history of the United States, the Central Coast has become a national model for sustainable development, base conversion, marine science research and post-secondary foreign language education. The robust economic vitality on the Central Coast is buttressed by revenues of $2.4 billion from agriculture, and approximately $1.5 billion from tourism. A member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Farr serves on two key subcommittees that enable him to promote and protect the interests of his region: agriculture and military construction.
Rep. Farr was the author of the original Oceans Act, a version of which passed Congress and was signed into law on Aug. 8, 2000. Patterned after legislation that created the Stratton Commission more than 30 years ago, it will establish an inventory of our nation's coastal and marine resources, ocean programs and policies, federal funding priorities, infrastructure requirements and technological opportunities. Rep. Farr believes that an independent analysis by an oceans commission is essential in order to confront the changes that have occurred over the past three decades in our marine environment. We must also find ways to sustain and protect our oceans, and to explore ocean frontiers.
For his work, Sam Farr has been recognized as an "Environmental Hero" by the League of Conservation Voters, garnering a perfect voting record in its 1996 and 1998 ratings, and has been given perfect voting scores by the Center for Marine Conservation and Children's Defense Fund. He was named 1996 Legislator of the Year by the American Planning Association.
Before coming to the House of Representatives in 1993, Sam Farr served 12 and one-half years in the California State Assembly, being re-elected six times with overwhelming majorities. As a member of the Assembly, Sam Farr chaired the Assembly Local Government Committee as well as the Committee on Economic Development and New Technologies. He was also a member of the standing committees on education, natural resources, and finance and insurance. He was recognized as a leader in legislative efforts for educational excellence, environmental protection, economic development and new technologies.
Sam Farr began his career in public service in 1964 with a two-year commitment in the Peace Corps in Colombia, South America. Sam Farr graduated from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1963 and attended the Monterey Institute of International Studies and Santa Clara University. He is fluent in Spanish.
Sam Farr was born on the 4th of July, 1941. He is a long-time resident of Carmel, California and is married to Shary Baldwin Farr. The Farrs have one grown daughter, Jessica.
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