[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 120 (Friday, September 14, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S9438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO PETE SUAZO

 Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Eluid Pete 
Suazo, a distinguished Utah State Senator whose untimely death in 
August has had a tremendous impact--not only on his family and close 
friends, but also on the entire state of Utah.
  At the time of his death, Senator Suazo represented Salt Lake City's 
multi-cultural west side, and he also served as the Assistant minority 
whip. Pete was heralded for his unfailing determination and advocacy 
for his constituents. Indeed, his integrity and absolute dedication won 
Senator Suazo respect from his colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
  As the only Hispanic member of the Utah Legislature, Pete felt a 
strong sense of responsibility to honor and help Utah's growing 
Hispanic and minority populations. He was a top leader of the Hispanic 
community, who was also able to cross Utah's ethnic and political lines 
to effect policies benefitting the entire community. I remember how 
Pete's wife, Alicia, fondly recalled the day her husband decided to run 
for office. He passionately stated, ``The Chicano boy is going to be a 
senator, not in New Mexico, but in Utah where the work is going to be 
doubly hard and the victory glorious.'' This optimism showed in Pete's 
face, for he was always smiling.
  Pete fought for the underdog and the less privileged. For those who 
sought his advice and assistance, he always had a helping hand and a 
listening ear. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the youth 
in his neighborhood. He organized graffiti removal teams, baseball and 
soccer leagues, summer work programs, and provided so many other 
opportunities to strengthen the characters of countless young men and 
women.
  Over the past few years, Pete helped reinvigorate amateur boxing in 
Utah and participated as a referee to ensure safety in the sport. The 
Senator undertook these and many other volunteer efforts to help the 
less fortunate, always giving hope to those who needed it so much.
  Senator Suazo's work ethic was extraordinary and was developed at a 
very young age. He took great pride in whatever he was doing--from 
selling popcorn at a charity carnival in his youth to serving as a 
leading state senator. Throughout his life, he used his tremendous 
energy and his capacity for hard work to champion the causes in which 
he so fervently believed.
  While serving in the Utah legislature, Senator Suazo was not afraid 
of the tough battles. In recent years, his work to adopt a more pro-
active and stronger hate crimes law defined Pete Suazo's leadership and 
determination. He never gave up, and through his efforts this issue 
rose to the forefront of the legislature's attention.
  Mr. President, Utah has lost a true hero. Senator Pete Suazo was a 
man with great integrity, strong personal conviction, and a humble 
heart. His life was an example of dedicated public service and utmost 
love for his community and fellow man. I hope my colleagues will join 
me in sending our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Suazo family--
his wife, Alicia, and their children Travis, Abel, Emilio and Julio, 
his parents Pat and Lily, his siblings Kathy, Becky, Georgia, Anna, 
Ellie and Andy--and also to the many, many friends and neighbors of 
Pete who will deeply miss him. My hope is that future generations of 
Utahns will have the desire to follow in this good man's footsteps, and 
continue his legacy of work for the people of Utah. In so many 
instances Pete did not only dream the impossible dream, he strove for 
and attained it.

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