[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR. GUILLERMO LINARES, PhD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 10, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, today I rise to ask my colleagues to take 
a moment to honor the outstanding achievements of the 35 million 
Hispanic Americans in commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
  One of those 35 million Hispanic Americans is Dr. Guillermo Linares, 
whom I am honored to acknowledge for all his wonderful contributions 
and remarkable leadership in public service. Dr. Linares, who brings a 
long record of distinguished public service, has blazed an inspiring 
path so that future generations of Hispanic Americans can grasp the 
same opportunities to develop into tomorrow's leaders.
  Dr. Guillermo Linares has the historic distinction of being the first 
Dominican elected to public office in the United States. He served from 
1991 to 2001 in the New York City Council, where he advocated for 
quality education, vital health services, and affordable housing.
  For more than 30 years, Dr. Linares has remained committed to 
improving public education and championing immigrant issues. His 
advocacy started in Washington Heights, where he worked as a school 
teacher. Witnessing the need for active involvement, he ran for 
membership of the local school board and served there for three terms. 
In the 1980s, Dr. Linares and others were responsible for the building 
of desperately needed public schools for the growing immigrant 
community in Washington Heights.
  Dr. Linares' work has garnered him city-wide and national respect. In 
1998, the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus of the NYC Council 
elected then-Council Member Linares as its copresident. Dr. Linares was 
tapped in 1995 to serve in a national capacity as a member of the White 
House Initiative for Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. 
President William Clinton appointed him in 1999 as chair of this 
initiative.
  He was also a part of a movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s to 
establish key institutions that continue to serve Dominican and Latino 
populations. With other activists and leaders, Dr. Linares helped to 
establish the Community Association of Progressive Dominicans, the 
Puerto Rican/Latino Education Round Table and the Parents Coalition for 
Education in New York City. Dr. Linares was instrumental in the 
founding of the Dominican Studies Institute at City College, the 
Audubon Partnership for Economic Development and the Center for Latin 
American and Latino Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center. He also served 
for six years as a board member of the National Council of ``La Raza.'' 
He currently is the co-chair of ``Encuentro 2000 and Beyond'' a 
national Latino leadership group.
  In his current role as Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of 
Immigrant Affairs for the City of New York, Dr. Linares works to 
strengthen bridges between city government and immigrant communities. 
He--who grew up dirt poor in a dirt-floored hut in the Dominican 
Republic--shares the experiences and aspirations of immigrant New 
Yorkers. Having left his native Dominican Republic to arrive to the 
City of New York at age 15 in 1966, knowing not a word of English, 
drove a taxi for long hours to support his family. At the same time, he 
pursued a higher education so that he could advance.
  Dr. Linares received a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Science degree 
from City College and a professional diploma in administration and 
supervision from Fordham University. He recently achieved his doctorate 
in education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Linares' 
wife, Evelyn, is a dedicated public school principal. They are proud 
parents of two children, Guillermo Linares Jr. and Mayra Linares, who 
currently serves as the Democratic District Leader of Part A of the 
72nd District of the New York State Assembly. His family has been 
critical to his accomplishments as a community activist, an elected 
official and an academic.
  At a time when so many question the role and value of immigrants in 
today's society, it is essential to remember the achievements of 
remarkable public servants such as Dr. Guillermo Linares. Let us all 
remember that immigrant dreams and values--Hispanic dreams and values--
are no different than the dreams and values that we all wish for our 
families and our Nation.

                          ____________________