[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 59 (Tuesday, April 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO COMMISSIONER PAUL ELIZONDO, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL 
                      OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

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                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 15, 2008

  Mr. GONZALEZ.  Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
extraordinary person and a dynamic force within the Center for Health 
Care Services community. Commissioner Paul Elizondo served with 
distinction on the Center for Health Care Services Board of Directors 
for 8 years. From 1988 until 1995 he served first as Board Secretary 
and then he served two terms as the chairman of the board.
  CHCS would not have been the same without the efforts of Paul 
Elizondo. As chairman, he worked tirelessly, both internally and 
externally, to improve the center's services to its clients. He 
encouraged, funded, and pushed innovative programs in child and 
adolescent mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and mental 
retardation services.
  During his tenure, the center rose to national prominence and he was 
appointed to the Executive Board of the National Council of Community 
Health Centers. I'm pleased to recognize his continuous dedication and 
willingness to foster the growth of CHCS throughout the community so 
patients might obtain more efficient access to treatment.
  It is my honor to pay tribute to such a leader. He is an innovative 
thinker who continuously took it upon himself to confront various 
community issues with sound solutions.
  Commissioner Paul Elizondo continues to keep track of the center's 
activities and services. At the national, State, and local level he is 
an omnipresent ``watchdog'' and advocate for the clients they serve. 
Above all, he wholeheartedly believes in the center, its people, its 
mission, and their ability to help the people they serve.
  His hard work was much appreciated and along with others that know 
him, I would like the rest of America to recognize his many 
contributions. Our community is fortunate to have had such a devoted 
leader.

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