[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 18 (Thursday, February 24, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN RECOGNITION OF MARY ANAYA

 Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Ms. 
Mary Anaya of Roswell, New Mexico, who recently retired from the City 
Council after 18 years of service. As a long time resident, city 
councilor and community leader, Ms. Anaya has worked to better the 
Roswell community while holding true to her convictions with courage 
and grace. Though her tenacity alone is commendable, there is much more 
that deserves recognition.
  Ms. Anaya, who represented Ward 5, is an example of a true 
representative, always putting her constituents' needs first. During 
the time she served on the council, the people of Ward 5 could depend 
on her thoughtful and considerate insight, knowing that their interests 
were being diligently represented.
  Roswell's Ward 5 is comprised of many of the city's low-income 
residents. Ms. Anaya was a champion of issues her constituents faced on 
a daily basis. She was an advocate of quality of life issues, such as 
health care, housing and community development. She worked tirelessly 
to improve primary health care, and as a result of her hard work, a 
primary health care facility, La Casa de Buena Salud, was built in 
Roswell. Ms. Anaya was instrumental to the project's success. 
Furthermore, she spearheaded projects to rehabilitate housing for the 
elderly and low-income residents in Ward 5. Everyone deserves decent 
housing, and many of the citizens of Ward 5 benefitted from Ms. Anaya's 
work for this right. The creation of recreational areas was an issue 
that she dedicated much of her time to, making places for the 
community's children to play. She also worked to improve the city's 
infrastructure, making the streets safer for the entire Roswell 
community. Ms. Anaya always worked on behalf of the citizens of 
Roswell, and it is clear that because of her dedication, many people 
live a better life.
  As a council member, Ms. Anaya was an advocate for Hispanic causes. 
When an English-only speaking rule in the school system threatened the 
educational opportunities of the students, Ms. Anaya rose to overturn 
the rule. She also fought to increase the hiring of Hispanics by the 
City of Roswell, and her efforts were rewarded when the City hired 
their first Hispanic employee. As the Roswell Daily Record states: 
``Many people believe that over 50 years she and her husband, Pete, 
have helped advance Hispanic causes in Roswell more than anyone else in 
the city and have done it in a positive, productive way. We agree.''
  Mary Anaya deserves special recognition for her steadfast work on 
behalf of the citizens of Roswell. She performed her civic duties with 
pride and joy, always working with a smile. On the council, she was an 
asset to Roswell, and as a citizen, she is an asset to us all. Her work 
will be appreciated for generations to come.

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