[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 48 (Thursday, March 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRESSIONAL TRIBUTE HONORING FAY SINKIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2009

  MR. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, on March 4, 2009, the world was bereft 
of a powerhouse environmentalist when Fay Sinkin passed away at the age 
of 90. Born in New York City, Fay came to San Antonio 66 years ago 
after marrying Bill Sinkin after he proposed on their first, blind 
date. Fay quickly made San Antonio her home, and the residents of the 
city will be forever grateful.
  She joined the San Antonio Chapter of the League of Women Voters, 
serving as its president for several years, and was a tireless fighter 
for the equality of women and minorities. She was one of the first 
women in the city to sit on a jury, and she fought the mayor and the 
city council to improve the living conditions for San Antonio's Blacks 
and Hispanics.
  The protection of the Edwards Aquifer would become her life's work. 
When Fay heard of the proposal to build a massive development which 
threatened the city's water supply, she took action. With her allies in 
the Edwards Aquifer Preservation Trust, she enlisted the assistance of 
the city's congressman, Henry B. Gonzalez, and set forth to protect her 
fellow citizens. The Government Canyon State Natural Area now stands 
where some saw only a chance at quick profit. The growth of San Antonio 
and the health of its citizens would not have been possible without the 
work of Fay Sinkin.
  Fay and Bill Sinkin continued to work to improve the lives of San 
Antonians, Texans, and the entire country until the end of her days. 
Just this past January, she recalled the myriad changes she had seen 
over six decades in the city, the improvements no one could have 
imagined when she first arrived, looked out over a land so different 
from any she had known and declared herself home.
  San Antonio was Fay Sinkin's home for 66 years. The City feels a 
little emptier now, but we have all lived richer, better lives because 
of the life of Fay Sinkin. Her life may have ended, but her 
contributions will live on and generations shall enjoy the fruits of 
her labor.

                          ____________________