[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E81]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF COMMISSIONER RAFAEL FRAGUELA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Commissioner 
Rafael Fraguela, recipient of the ``Los Proceres Antillanos Award,'' 
which was presented by Save Latin America, Inc., on January 25, 2001.
  Save Latin America, Inc., a non-profit organization that honors 
Hispanic community leaders for their contributions to society, provides 
information to Hispanics regarding their rights and responsibilities in 
the areas of education, health care, housing, and other social services 
and economic development opportunities.
  Rafael Fraguela, who was born in Cuba on June 7, 1955, immigrated to 
the United States as a boy, and attended Union Hill High School in 
Union City, New Jersey. He received his BA in Social Studies/Political 
Science from Montclair State College and his MA in Education from Seton 
Hall University.
  Since receiving his undergraduate degree and teacher certification, 
Commissioner Fraguela has dedicated his life to public education and to 
the New Jersey education system, serving as teacher, vice-principal, 
and principal. He is currently the Principal of Grant School #7 in 
Passaic, New Jersey.
  In addition, Commissioner Fraguela has served the residents of New 
Jersey as an elected official in a variety of positions over the past 
decade. He served as President of the Union City School Board and as 
President and Commissioner on the School Board of Estimates. In 1993, 
Commissioner Fraguela was elected to replace me as a Commissioner of 
Union City, an office to which he was reelected in 1994 and 1998. He 
served as Commissioner of Revenue and Finance and Public Affairs and 
Recreation, and as Commissioner of Public Affairs, Parks, and Public 
Property.
  Commissioner Fraguela is a member and founder of the Alliance Civic 
Association; the National Association of Latino Elected Officials 
(NALEO); the Mid-West Northeast Voter Registration Project; the Summit 
Avenue Merchants Association; the Hispanic Leadership for Political 
Action Committee; the Democratic National Committee; the Committee to 
Elect President Clinton; the National Democratic Steering Committee; 
the Union City Day Care Board of Directors; the Union City A.B.C. 
Board; and Gore 2000.
  For his continued and selfless public service to the community, he 
has received numerous honors and awards, including the Human Values 
Award, Man of the Year Award (1993, 1995, 1998); the Babe Ruth League 
Award (1997); the Summit Avenue Merchant Association Award (1998); the 
Duarte, Sanchez & Mella Award (1996); and the Hispanic Law Enforcment 
Society of North Hudson, NJ Achievement Award (1998).
  In 1991, it was my distinct honor to appoint Rafael Fraguela to be 
the President of the School Board of Union City. I am extremely proud 
of his record, his dedication to public service, and his many 
achievements since that first appointment. Over the years, I have 
cherished his friendship as an educator, school board president, and 
commissioner. More importantly, he is an invaluable asset to the 
residents of New Jersey.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Rafael Fraguela 
for his leadership and for his important contributions to New Jersey 
and to the Hispanic community:

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