[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 14 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO SANDY GUTIERREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to pay tribute 
today to a woman whose incredible heart and extraordinary efforts have 
made an indelible impact on the community of Pueblo and the State of 
Colorado. Sandy Gutierrez is both inspirational and courageous, and a 
true testament to the inherent greatness that resides in all of 
humanity. Throughout her life, she has consistently given her time, 
effort and love to others, and it is with a great deal of satisfaction 
and pride that I pay tribute to her for the tremendous accomplishment 
of being honored by the United States Justice Department for her 
significant civil rights contributions.
  As Director of the Latino Chamber of Commerce, Sandy has long been a 
champion of civil rights and has dedicated a significant amount of her 
time and efforts to improving relations in the Pueblo community. 
Recently, her tireless efforts and extraordinarily selfless endeavors 
culminated in the creation of the Pueblo Human Relations Commission, a 
15 member panel which will discuss divisive community issues, and a 
long-time dream of Sandy's. Along with Diane Porter, Sandy was 
responsible for the Commission's creation, which will undoubtedly serve 
as a catalyst for more open discussions on race related issues and 
other controversial issues facing the Pueblo community. Like all true 
pioneers, Sandy had to overcome a great deal of opposition to see her 
dream come to fruition, and I commend her for her courage and 
persistence in the face of such opposition.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before you today in order to bring 
the accomplishments of such an extraordinary woman to the attention of 
this body of Congress. Sandy Gutierrez has been instrumental in 
improving her community and her state, and I, along with the people 
whose lives she has so profoundly affected and enriched, are eternally 
grateful for everything she has done. I wish to offer her my sincere 
congratulations today on the creation of the Pueblo Human Relations 
Commission and for the tremendous accomplishment of being honored by 
the United States Justice Department for her efforts. I wish her the 
best of luck in all of her future endeavors.

                          ____________________