Henry J. Mello | |
|---|---|
| Member of the California Senate from the 15th district | |
| In office December 7, 1992 - November 30, 1996 | |
| Preceded by | Rose Ann Vuich |
| Succeeded by | Bruce McPherson |
| Member of the California Senate from the 17th district | |
| In office December 1, 1980 - November 30, 1992 | |
| Preceded by | Bob Nimmo |
| Succeeded by | Don Rogers |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 28th district | |
| In office December 6, 1976 - November 30, 1980 | |
| Preceded by | Frank Murphy, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Sam Farr |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 27, 1924 Watsonville, California, US |
| Died | September 4, 2004 (aged 80) Watsonville, California, US |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Helen Mello |
| Children | 4 |
| Occupation | Politician, businessman in farming |
| Known for | Mello-Roos |
Henry John Mello (March 27, 1924 – September 4, 2004) was an American politician from California. Mello was a member of the California Senate known for the Community Facilities District Act, otherwise known as the Mello-Roos Act.[1]
Early life[edit]
On March 27, 1924, Mello was born in Watsonville, California. Mello's father was a Portuguese immigrant. Mello attended Watsonville High School.[2]
Education[edit]
Mello attended Hartnell College in Salinas, California.[3]
Career[edit]
In 1940, Mello and his father started a farming business. In 1948, Mello founded Mello Packing Company.[2]
In 1966, Mello was elected to the Board of Supervisor for Santa Cruz County, California.[2][3]
In 1976, Mello won the election and became a member of the California State Assembly for District 28. In 1980, Mello won the election and became a member of California State Senate for District 17.[2]
Personal life[edit]
Mello's wife was Helen Annette (Burns) Mello (d.2014). They had four sons, John Henry Mello (b.1953-d.2021). Stephen F. Mello, Michael Burns Mello (b.1960-d.2023) and Timothy S. Mello.[3]
On September 4, 2004, Mello died in Watsonville, California. He was 80 years old.[2]
Legacy[edit]
- Senator Henry J. Mello Highway.[3]
- 1990 Henry J. Mello Foundation.[4]
- Henry J. Mello Center, a concert performance hall in Watsonville, California.[5]
See also[edit]
- Mello-Roos (with Mike Roos)
References[edit]
- ^ Lucas, Greg. "Henry Mello -- former state senator / Democrat was known as classic retail politician". SFGate. Retrieved 2015-04-09.
- ^ a b c d e "Henry J. Mello Political Papers - Biography". cdlib.org. November 2003. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
- ^ a b c d Clark, Samantha (July 24, 2015). "Sen. Henry J. Mello Highway unveiled". santacruzsentinel.com. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
- ^ "Henry J. Mello Foundation". fconline.foundationcenter.org. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
- ^ "Henry J. Mello Center". cityofwatsonville.org. Retrieved March 11, 2020.