[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO ANTONIO BONILLA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2005

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Antonio Bonilla who is 
being honored at the Brooklyn Caribe Lions Club dinner dance as 
``Businessman of The Year.''
  Antonio is a successful businessman who was born in Isabela, Puerto 
Rico. He came to New York in 1953 and has worked in various jobs, 
including carpentry, cooking, and marketing.
  One of his first employers was Emerson Radio Corporation, where he 
worked for over 10 years. Then in the 1960's his wife, Leonor, exposed 
him to Mexico's culture, including its people, food, and music. By 
1971, his dream to open a Mexican restaurant had become a reality. 
Together with his family, they found and renovated the space on the 
corner of Second Ave and 26th Street in Manhattan and named it Mexico 
Lindo Restaurant.
  Today the restaurant has become a popular nightspot for the 
entertainment and political communities. Antonio is a distinguished 
businessman whose cooperation with many religious and political 
organizations has established him as a philanthropist. He is very proud 
of the fact that he has always held a job, and that all his 
accomplishments have been the product of hard work.
  Antonio and Leonor have three daughters Adriana, Claudia and Lara. 
Together as a family, they have strived to stay one step ahead of the 
competition. This award should serve to inspire and encourage him in 
continuing the important work he has already begun.
  Mr. Speaker, Antonio Bonilla has been a leader in his community and 
has been a wonderful example of how dedication and perseverance can 
lead to success. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our 
recognition today and the award of Businessman of the Year. Thus, I 
urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

                          ____________________