[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 21, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1910]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    HONORING TOMAS REYES FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 1999

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
join the New Haven Hispanic community to thank my dear friend, Tomas 
Reyes, for his commitment and dedication to our community. I regret 
that I am unable to join the friends, family, and community members who 
will gather this evening at Casa Otonal's annual celebration to pay 
tribute to Tomas for his many years of service to the City of New 
Haven.
  An icon in the city for nearly two decades, Tomas Reyes recently 
announced his retirement as President of New Haven's Board of Aldermen. 
As Alderman of the 4th Ward, Tomas spent his 18 year tenure making sure 
the City of New Haven was able to meet the many challenges that have 
faced our city. Under his membership and direction of the Board, 
programs such as Headstart, Latino Youth Development, Inc., New Haven 
Family Alliance, Youth Fair Chance, and the Hill Development 
Corporation were implemented to meet the changing needs of our 
residents. Tomas was an avid and vocal supporter of city funding for 
these programs because they provide much needed services to our city's 
neediest families.
  Tomas once said that he wanted to be actively involved in politics in 
order to change his neighborhood. He challenged himself to meet a 
variety of needs, and he succeeded. Tomas has served the City of New 
Haven with integrity and has improved the quality of life for many.
  As the only Latino elected to the Board of Aldermen in 1981, his 
initial efforts were focused on strengthening representation of the 
Hispanic community and encouraging the Latino community to become 
involved in city politics. His strong character and enthusiasm have 
motivated New Haven's Hispanic community to be both active and vocal. 
Tomas has long been involved with young people in our community and 
continues to support many programs and projects designed to assist the 
children of less fortunate families. As co-founder of Latino Youth 
Development, Inc., he created a venue for inner-city kids to develop 
the skills necessary to be successful in today's technological society.
  I am fortunate enough to call Tomas a close friend not only in the 
political arena but personally as well. He has been a long-time 
colleague of my mother, Louisa, on the Board of Aldermen, and a dear 
friend to us both. His energy and conviction have been a source of 
inspiration--not only to myself but to the entire community.
  It is with great pleasure that I rise today and join the New Haven 
Hispanic community to honor my very good friend, Tomas Reyes for his 
many years of dedicated service and his continued commitment to the 
improvement of our community. I know that Tomas and his wife Norma will 
continue to make great contributions to our community. I would like to 
express my sincerest congratulations and heartfelt thanks for all that 
he has given to the residents of New Haven.

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