[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 91 (Friday, July 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an important historical 
event that will take place on Friday, July 1, 2005: the inauguration of 
the 41st mayor for the city of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa.
  The first Latino mayor of Los Angeles since 1872, Antonio 
Villaraigosa will lead one of our Nation's most diversely populated 
cities. His understanding and compassion to address specific social 
issues will play a significant role as he secures constituent access to 
local government resources. Mayor Villaraigosa understands the 
importance of environmental protection, access to quality employment, 
equal educational opportunities and smart urban growth.
  Mayor Villaraigosa is one of the most promising leaders of our 
country. I served with him in the California State Assembly. As Speaker 
of the Assembly, he helped to expand the Healthy Families program to 
provide health care access for all children. He also helped to pass one 
of largest park bonds in the State of California, which helped to 
identify areas in low-income communities to establish urban 
conservancies. As a result, my district was a proud recipient of one of 
the largest urban conservancies in California.
  Mayor Villaraigosa is an individual who has successfully built 
bridges between the diverse racial and ethnic communities of Los 
Angeles. He promotes empowering people and our communities. As we move 
forward with this change in leadership, with a man who understands the 
importance of serving the people of Los Angeles, we can add a new 
chapter in our city's history.
  He is a champion for working class families and someone I look 
forward to continuing to work with in the future. I extend the best 
wishes to Mayor Villaraigosa and his family.

                          ____________________