[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING MAYOR LUIS E. MELENDEZ CANO OF VEGA BAJA, PUERTO RICO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LUIS V. GUTIERREZ

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2004

  Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an 
exemplary public servant from Puerto Rico, the Honorable Luis Melendez 
Cano, mayor of the City of Vega Baja.
  Luisito, as he is popularly known, has been Mayor of the City of Vega 
Baja since January 1973. Luisito, who also is a pharmacist, earned the 
rank of Captain in the U.S. Army National Guard and became Mayor at age 
33.
  Luisito has served the citizens of his fast-growing city with 
enthusiasm, a strong sense of patriotism and total devotion to the 
highest ideals of public service. He is known and respected for his 
honesty and dedication to the best interest of the people he serves.
  Mr. Speaker, public service is one of the highest callings an 
individual can embark on. Please join me in recognizing the stellar 
record of this dedicated public servant. A man who committed himself to 
the improvement of the City of Vega Baja and its people.
  Luisito, I congratulate you for your many years of selfless public 
service, and I wish you and the people of your city much success in 
your future endeavors.

                          ____________________