[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 155 (Saturday, December 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JUDGE LUIS GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 18, 1998

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and to pay 
tribute to Judge Luis Gonzalez, an outstanding individual who has 
dedicated his life to public service. He was appointed this month 
Administrative Judge of Bronx Supreme Court and tomorrow, Saturday, 
December 19, he will be celebrating his appointment in the company of 
his family and friends.
  Judge Gonzalez was born in Manati, Puerto Rico in 1945. His parents 
migrated to New York City in the 1950's. After graduating from Eastern 
Mennonite College in History and Social Sciences, he earned his Juris 
Doctor from Columbia University School of Law in 1975. I have known him 
personally for more than 25 years, and I am very familiar with his 
background, experience, character, and personality. He is a person of 
the highest personal and professional integrity.
  Mr. Speaker, in 1985, Judge Gonzalez was appointed Housing Court 
Judge in New York City Civil Court. Two years later, he was elected 
Judge of the Civil Court in Bronx County where he served with 
distinction until 1992 when he was elected Justice of the Supreme Court 
in Bronx County. He presided over an Individual Assignment Part (IAS). 
This month Judge Gonzalez was appointed Administrative Judge of Bronx 
Supreme Court.
  Being the first Latino Administrative Judge in New York State 
history, Judge Gonzalez is well known and highly respected by his peers 
and the different communities for this sensitivity, professionalism, 
integrity and sound judgement. On the other hand, his toughness, 
stubbornness when he feels that the law is being broken is also well 
known. ``An iron hand in a velvet glove'' as some would say. His 
confirmation brings to the Court an outstanding judge at the same time 
that it expands its ethnic composition.
  This is the kind of issue that should be discussed in the classrooms. 
He is a role model for all Hispanics. Judge Gonzalez has set an example 
of how success is available for all of those who persevere to achieve 
their goals. He is an inspiration for many Puerto Ricans and for the 
people in the Bronx who are trying to break the cycle of poverty.
  Mr. Speaker, in my 25 years of public service, 16 in the New York 
State Assembly and 9 in the U.S. House of Representatives, this 
occasion is one of my proudest moments. I am very proud of Judge 
Gonzalez' accomplishment.
  Judge Gonzalez is the proud father of two daughters, Aida and Nydia.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Judge Luis 
Gonzalez for his outstanding achievements and in wishing him continued 
success as Administrative Judge of Bronx Supreme Court.

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