[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    ANNIVERSARY OF AQUI EN EL VALLE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2001

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Aqui en el Valle newspaper, headquartered in Bloomfield, New Mexico, 
and its founder, LaVerta Valdez-Johnson, on its recent one-year 
anniversary. In that short period, this newspaper has delivered 
dedicated service and commitment to the Hispanic community in the Four 
Corners area.
  Aqui en el Valle, or ``Here in the Valley,'' is typically focused on 
positive local news and information that benefits the Hispanic 
community. The paper also focuses on Southwestern history and profiles 
of successful Hispanics. The newspaper is even used in Bloomfield 
elementary and high schools for Spanish language classes.
  The Aqui en el Valle, however, would never have become a reality 
without the persistence and vision of LaVerta Valdez-Johnson. She was 
told by the business community that a Hispanic newspaper was not a 
sound investment. Undeterred, Mrs. Valdez-Johnson, with the help of her 
husband, Wesley and son, Russ, the monthly paper has gone from 1,000 
copies in March, 2000, to a circulation today of more than 5,000. It 
has established a strong and diverse base of support and serves a vast 
area of 11 New Mexico towns that stretch from Bloomfield to Santa Fe.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending LaVerta 
Valdez-Johnson for not backing down from her dream and to extend best 
wishes for continued success in the coming years.

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