[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E203-E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO TONY FORTINO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 26, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize an extraordinary man who embodies the spirit of my district 
in Colorado and whose contributions to society have been honored with 
his induction into the Pueblo Hall of Fame. Tony Fortino is a pillar of 
the Pueblo, Colorado community and has dedicated countless hours to the 
betterment of his beloved city. As Tony celebrates his achievement, I 
would like to commend him for his commitment to his fellow citizens and 
community.
  Tony's service to the City of Pueblo began when Tony took it upon 
himself to promote Pueblo's Downtown business corridor and the city 
itself. He served in leadership positions in the Greater Pueblo Chamber 
of Commerce, the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation and the Pueblo 
Development Foundation. His hard work ethic pushes him to take the 
initiative and provide leadership on projects, as

[[Page E204]]

he has done with the Pueblo Convention Center and the Downtown Hotel. 
Tony's leadership abilities shine through in his position as chairman 
of the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority and as Pueblo's representative on 
the Colorado Transportation Commission.
  Tony served his country as a member of the Coast Guard in World War 
II. After the war, he came back to Pueblo and began a successful career 
operating a car dealership and as a commercial real estate investor. 
After his retirement, Tony generously gave to the Sangre de Cristo Arts 
and Conference Center and the Catholic Diocese of Pueblo Foundation. He 
has also helped to raise money for Pueblo Community College and serves 
as a member and chairman of the PCC Foundation.
  Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Tony Fortino is a man of unparalleled 
dedication, evident through his efforts to improve the City of Pueblo, 
and his philanthropic contributions. It is his unrelenting passion for 
each and every thing he does, as well as his spirit of honesty and 
integrity that I wish to bring before this body of Congress. Tony 
Fortino is a remarkable man, who has achieved extraordinary deeds in 
his community, and I would like to extend to him my congratulations on 
his induction to the Pueblo Hall of Fame and wish Tony Fortino the best 
in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________