[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 134 (Tuesday, September 11, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11408-S11409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING PAUL TAVARES

 Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to 
a great Rhode Islander: my good friend, Paul Tavares.
  This weekend, Paul will be honored by the Portuguese American 
Citizens Committee as its Person of the Year, and the PACC simply could 
not have made a better choice. This organization has contributed so 
much to the Portuguese community, and to our Ocean State, through its 
civic, charitable and political work. It is fitting that this weekend, 
the PACC will honor someone who has done the same. Paul's character, 
integrity, and honesty have set an example, not only in his work in 
public service, but throughout his life.
  I have known Paul, and have been honored to call him my friend, since 
we both ran for statewide office in 1998: he for general treasurer, and 
I for attorney general. His motto during that election was simple one: 
``No tricks, no gimmicks, just a Treasurer who'll do what's right.'' We 
both fought hard battles and we both emerged victorious. And 
immediately after being sworn in, we began a close and very productive 
relationship that helped each of our offices work more efficiently. It 
has been a lasting and a valued friendship.

[[Page S11409]]

  Paul's record of accomplishment in the Treasurer's office is 
outstanding. One of his most notable achievements was his commitment to 
helping Rhode Island families save for their children's college 
education. As a result of his work, the CollegeBoundfund, Rhode 
Island's section 529 college savings program, was recognized by MSN 
Money in 2005 as one of the Nation's five best college savings plans in 
the country. Columnist Liz Pulliam Weston wrote: ``It's a pity more of 
us don't live in Rhode Island if you live there, it's a mystery why 
you'd invest anywhere else.'' With the help of the Attorney General's 
office, he put a broken crime victims' compensation program back on its 
feet. He led with integrity. Paul certainly carried out what he 
proposed to do, that is, to leave the Treasurer's office in a better 
State than what he inherited.
  But Paul's story doesn't begin in the Treasurer's office. During his 
successful career in the banking industry, Paul dedicated himself to a 
life of public service, beginning his career on the East Providence 
School Committee, and then the East Providence City Council. In 1992, 
Paul was elected to Rhode Island's State senate, where he served until 
taking office as general treasurer. I worked closely with Paul when I 
served on Governor Bruce Sundlun's senior staff, and I saw up close 
what a good senator he was.
  Paul's years in the Senate were full of significant accomplishments, 
especially his efforts to create The CollegeBoundfund and his work on 
adoption; and his service as first deputy majority leader and as vice-
chair of the Corporations Committee. Paul is remembered in the senate 
not only for his committed service but also for his legendary ability 
to pull practical jokes on his fellow senators. One he particularly 
enjoyed was to ``borrow'' a piece of letterhead paper from one of his 
fellow senators and write a note to another senator. He would then ask 
a page in the senate to deliver the letter and sit back to enjoy the 
ensuing uproar. That story says so much about Paul: he never takes 
himself too seriously; the jokes were always warm-hearted and they 
helped break tensions in that body. Paul was good for the senate.
  Paul has also never forgotten where he comes from. A son of 
Portuguese immigrants who migrated to the United States from the 
Azores, he has truly lived the American dream. I am sure Paul's 
parents, the late Anibal and Laurentina Tavares, are looking down on us 
proud to see how far Paul's determination and talent have carried him 
in life. And I am sure he would agree that he would not have enjoyed 
nearly as much success without the love and support of his lovely wife 
Lee, his daughters Tessa, Kristen and Felicia, and his sons Nicholas 
and Andrew. Their unwavering commitment to Paul, and his unwavering 
commitment to them, have been extraordinary.
  Rhode Islanders who know Paul also know well his selfless service to 
his community. Paul founded the Portuguese American Scholarship 
Foundation, is a cofounder of the East Providence Children's Portuguese 
School, and served on the Catholic Diocese of Providence Finance 
Council. His work in these organizations has not only enriched the 
Ocean State's Portuguese community, but has changed lives all over 
Rhode Island. And he does not just help people through organizations. 
Many Rhode Islanders know stories of people showing up on Paul's 
doorstep, asking for his help. Each time, he listened and did what he 
could. Paul has spent his life helping others without asking anything 
in return.
  I am pleased to come to the floor of the Senate to join the 
Portuguese American Citizens Committee in recognizing the tremendous 
accomplishments of our friend Paul Tavares. I extend congratulations, 
heartfelt thanks for a job well done, and best wishes to Paul and his 
family in all their future endeavors.

                          ____________________