[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 65 (Thursday, May 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      ARIZONA ANTI--DEFAMATION LEAGUE HONORS DANIEL R. ORTEGA, JR.

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                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 1999

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to proudly bring 
tribute to a fellow Arizonan who has long exemplified the meaning of 
leadership, community, and good citizenship. He is a well-respected 
leader in Arizona and Phoenix, and someone whom I'm proud to call my 
friend--Mr. Daniel R. Ortega, Jr.
  In my home state, Danny recently received the Leader of Distinction 
Award from the Arizona Region of the Anti-Defamation League. This award 
was established to honor extraordinary individuals for their successful 
professional and philanthropic achievements. It recognizes people who 
have truly made a difference in the lives of Arizonans through their 
strength, courage, creativity, individuality and motivation, whether 
professionally or in their personal pursuits.
  I can attest that Danny is one of the most revered individuals In 
Phoenix when it comes to community. He has been a dauntless voice, 
particularly for the Latino community, when no other voice was there to 
champion their causes. Whether he is fighting for the rights of migrant 
farm workers, advising elected officials on community issues, or 
advocating for his clients, he has guided decision-making with wisdom 
and moral purpose.
  An attorney by profession, Danny has served on the board of directors 
of numerous national organizations. He sits on the boards of the 
Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, National Council of La Raza, 
and the Los Abogados Hispanic Bar Association. He also serves on the 
disciplinary Commission of the Arizona Supreme Court, and is a member 
of the Stewardship Board for the Roman Catholic Church of Phoenix. He 
is a member of the Arizona State Bar, American Trial Lawyers 
Association as well as the American and Maricopa County Bar 
Associations.
  Previously, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Mexican 
American Legal Defense and Education Fund, the Arizona Trial Lawyers 
Association, Valley of the Sun United Way, Arizona State Alumni 
Association and Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. He also served on the 
Arizona Industrial Commission, the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board, the 
Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments and Arizona 
State Bar Peer Review Committee.
  Danny is a 1974 graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor 
of Arts degree in political science. He received his Juris Doctor 
degree in 1977 from ASU's College of Law. Before going into private 
practice, he was an attorney with Community Legal Services in Phoenix. 
Currently, as a partner with the law offices of Ortega & Associates, 
P.C., he provides legal services in the area of civil litigation, 
personal injury law, employment law, and government and non-profit 
agency representation. Mr. Ortega primarily concentrates in the 
litigation of personal injury and employment matters.
  Danny is the oldest of eight children born to Elvira and Daniel 
Ortega Sr., both of whom ingrained a deep sense of family and community 
into their children. He has served as a volunteer in many campaign 
positions including field operations, fund-raising, finance and 
campaign chair.
  Mr. Speaker, as you can surmise, Danny Ortega is an exemplary leader 
and a profoundly committed individual who is a true role model for the 
nation. He has effected change that has improved the lives of and 
broken down barriers for many Arizonans. Therefore, I am pleased to pay 
tribute to my friend Danny Ortega, and I know my colleagues will join 
me in thanking him and wishing him great success.

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