[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 153 (Wednesday, December 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2177-E2178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


A TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE LADY AND GENTLEMEN WHO SERVED THE PEOPLE OF 
                             GUAM AS MAYORS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 13, 2000

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, as elected public officials, we know the 
hard work and the personal sacrifices it takes to earn the trust and 
keep the mandate of our constituencies. In my home island of Guam, 
there are no elected officials who are closer to their constituencies, 
or work harder in their behalf, even after an election, than our 
village Mayors. Guam is a small place with a relatively small 
population, and our people are not far removed from their elected 
officials--myself included. This intimacy, and the expectation of 
direct and immediate access, is especially true of our Mayors.
  In a few weeks, seven of Guam's village Mayors will leave office, 
after having served the residents of their respective villages 
cumulatively for many, many years. Some have opted for retirement; 
others have had to accept that option. All have served with 
distinction; all have significant records of accomplishment; all have a 
deep and abiding love for their people; and all are proud servants of 
Guam. I would like to take this occasion to commend the Honorable 
Rossana Diwa San Miguel, the Mayor of Chalan Pago and Ordot; the 
Honorable Jose Agualo Rivera, the Mayor of Dededo; the Honorable Luis 
San Nicolas Herrero, the Mayor of Tamuning; the Honorable Raymond 
Sablan Laguana, the Mayor of Barrigada; the Honorable Jesse Leon 
Guerrero Perez, the Mayor of Inarajan; the Honorable Jesus A. 
Aquiningoc, the Mayor of Umatac; and the Honorable Vicente S. Taitague, 
the Mayor of Talofofo, who have unselfishly contributed years of 
valuable service to their respective home villages and to the island of 
Guam.
  Chalan Pago/Ordot Mayor Rossana San Miguel, who has the distinction 
of being named Outstanding Woman of the Year by the Soroptomist 
International of the Marianas, remains an advocate for the rights of 
women, children and families, and for an improved quality of life for 
the people of Ordot and Chalan Pago. She was an active community member 
long before her election as Mayor in

[[Page E2178]]

1995. A product of Guam's public schools and the University of Guam, 
Mayor San Miguel is the daughter of Juan Atoigue and Esperanza Diwa San 
Miguel, and the loving mother of Esperanza, Michelle and Samantha. 
Mayor San Miguel's terms in office resulted in the paving, resurfacing 
and naming of numerous streets in the villages of Chalan Pago and 
Ordot. Her effort and leadership made the streets of Chalan Pago and 
Ordot safer by having numerous power poles and street lights installed, 
as well as the construction of bus shelters for the children of her 
village.
  With a population of more than 40,000, the Municipality of Dededo is 
Guam's largest village. It might well qualify as a city rather than a 
village. The Honorable Jose Agualo Rivera has served the people of 
Dededo for 16 years after having served as a federal civil servant from 
1947 until his retirement as Assistant Fire Chief in 1981. First 
elected as Assistant Village Commissioner in 1984 and then as Mayor in 
1989. During his tenure, the village of Dededo grew steadily and 
prospered. Mayor Rivera worked hard and lobbied hard for the 
infrastructure and capitol improvements necessary to keep up with the 
rapid growth and development of his village. Of the eight children born 
to the late Jose Ulloa Rivera and the late Carmen Agualo Rivera, Mayor 
Rivera was an only son. He and his wife, the former June Santos 
Shimizu, are the proud parents of five children, nine grandchildren and 
two great grandchildren.

                          ____________________