[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE 20TH YEAR CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST HISPANIC COUNCIL 
                    MEMBER ELECTED IN HUDSON COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2001

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 20th Year 
Celebration of the First Hispanic Council Member Elected in Hudson 
County, New Jersey. The Hispanic Pioneers Civic Association, Inc., will 
host the celebration on Friday, April 20, 2001.
  The Hispanic Pioneers Civic Association, Inc., (HPCA) was formed to 
promote and honor Hispanic leaders and non-Hispanics who have made 
significant contributions to the progress of the Hispanic community 
during the past twenty years. Whether in the field of education, 
politics, or community development, HPCA acknowledges those who have 
made a real difference.
  And during the past twenty years, in New Jersey and elsewhere, many 
Hispanics have won elective office. However, the number of Hispanics in 
elective office does not proportionally reflect the number of Hispanics 
in America. Nevertheless, we are making great progress, and Hispanic 
representation will soon reflect our community's growth and our years 
of hard work.
  In my home district, Hispanics have achieved great success in many 
fields, and politics is certainly no exception. I am an example of that 
success; and I could not have done it without the support of the 
Hispanic community. There have been other success stories that 
demonstrate how far we have come as a community. The following 
individuals deserve credit for helping to lay the foundation for 
Hispanic political and civic involvement in America, which they 
accomplished through hard work and dedication: Benjamin Lopez; Nydia 
Davila-Colon; Efrain Rosario; George O. Aviles; Jaime Vazquez; Mariano 
Vega, Jr.; Fernando Colon, Jr.; Jose O. Arango; and Edwin Duroy.
  The 20th Year Celebration presents a wonderful opportunity for the 
Hispanic community to reflect on the important contributions that 
Hispanics have made to American society.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 20th Year 
Celebration of the First Hispanic Council Member Elected In Hudson 
County.

                          ____________________