[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 32 (Thursday, March 13, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO CRUZ OLAGUE

 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to one of 
Nevada's leaders and activists, Cruz Olague. On March 15, 1997, the Los 
Amigos de Cruz Olague will honor former Mayor Cruz Olague--a fine 
Arizonan and Nevadan--at their first testimonial dinner. I have known 
Cruz for many years, and he is truly deserving of this honor.
  Born February 26, 1934, in Winslow, AZ, Cruz later moved to 
Henderson, NV after serving 4 years in the U.S. Navy. Afterward, he 
worked as an office manager in a supermarket while completing his 
accounting studies at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
  In 1971, Cruz was persuaded to run for the Henderson City Council. 
After receiving 53 percent of the popular vote in the primary, a 
general election was deemed unnecessary and Cruz was declared the 
winner. This was the first and only time such an event has occurred in 
the history of Nevada local politics. Moreover, Cruz won this seat on 
the City Council with a campaign budget of a mere $3,000. Following 
this tremendous feat, Mr. Olague went on to become a popular mayor of 
Henderson, and served in this capacity until 1975.
  Cruz is a man with deep religious convictions and a remarkably calm 
demeanor. Even when driving home a contentious point, he always 
maintains a gentleman's dignity and an even temperament. With his 
kindness, Cruz easily won people over. Consequently, it came as no 
surprise when he was selected Mayor of the Year in 1974.
  This prominent member of the Hispanic community has long believed 
that our racial and ethnic diversity is our Nation's greatest strength. 
Cruz Olague has spent his life tirelessly fighting on behalf of 
minorities, the elderly, and the poor. He has used his abilities for 
those who often lack a voice in our society. The work of this 
outstanding citizen has left a lasting impact on the lives of many 
Nevadans.
  Across southern Nevada, Cruz Olague will always be known as an 
individual of great integrity and conviction with a passion for good 
government. For 27 years, it has been a privilege to call Cruz Olague a 
friend. It is my pleasure to speak today in tribute to Cruz, and 
congratulate him on this special honor.

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