[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 30 (Monday, February 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING PAUL JOHN SANDOVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2012

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the wonderful 
life and exceptional accomplishments of a remarkable man in the 1st 
Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that 
we recognize this distinguished citizen for his impressive record of 
civic leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend this eminent 
citizen that I rise to honor Senator Paul John Sandoval.
   Paul John Sandoval says that he is, ``just a tamale maker.'' And 
indeed, he is a wonderful tamale maker. I have had the opportunity to 
bring some of those fine tamales to this fair city. But he is much more 
than just a tamale maker. He has worn so many other hats in his 
distinguished life: salesman, entrepreneur, politician, elected 
official, family man, confidant and a person of the utmost integrity. 
Paul believes, ``a person should be true to his word and look after the 
people.'' Looking after people is something that Paul has been doing 
his entire life.
   Paul John Sandoval was born on June 29, 1944, to Jerry and Camilla 
Sandoval, the ninth of 11 children. Born in North Denver, he learned 
early a strong work ethic. His first enterprise was selling newspapers 
and his most notable customer was President Eisenhower. Paul, having 
tracked down the President to get his famous sale, was rewarded with a 
5 dollar bill from the President himself. Never one to miss an 
additional opportunity, Paul asked the President to sign the bill, 
which he did. Then he promptly sold that five dollar bill for 10 
dollars, doubling his money. Paul graduated from high school in 1962 
and got a scholarship to Louisiana State University--New Orleans, where 
he studied Russian, hoping to go into the Foreign Service. He returned 
to Colorado a year later and earned his degree in international affairs 
in 1968. Although he never served in the Foreign Service, his life has 
been dedicated to looking after the people. Among other endeavors, Paul 
fought for fair housing as part of the federal War on Poverty and with 
the Chicano Education Project, which pushed for voter registration and 
bilingual education. Paul's first language growing up was Spanish.
   Throughout his whole life, Paul has made many friends and they have 
become part of his network. As one person put it, ``Paul was Facebook 
before Facebook existed.'' Paul was elected to the Colorado State 
Senate and the Denver School Board, making more friends and connections 
along the way. Paul's negotiation skills are legendary. Talk to anyone 
who has worked with him and you will be told stories of Paul's ability 
to build coalitions and get things done. He is the go-to person for 
personal and political advice. He has been a mentor to Senators, 
Governors, Congress people and our own current Secretary of the 
Interior, Ken Salazar. But his advice is not just to famous or high-
elected officials; it is warmly available to anyone who asks.
   He is also involved in quiet philanthropy. He has personally been 
responsible for numerous scholarships for students at local high 
schools as well as supporting many school events. And he is a family 
man; he is the one who is there for his 5 children and his brothers and 
sisters, never giving them less than he gives to his business and his 
community.
   Politics and education are a significant part of his make-up--and 
that tamale shop. When you talk to Paul, you talk about history, 
education and politics. In that tamale shop, where everyone gathers to 
eat, talk and get advice, you can count on getting two things: 
wonderful tamales and straight-forward advice from a man who will tell 
you exactly what he thinks, a man who cares about people, a man who is 
true to his word.
   The contributions of Senator Paul Sandoval are numerous, and on 
behalf of the citizens of the 1st Congressional District of Colorado, I 
wish to express our gratitude. His service and accomplishments command 
our respect and admiration. Please join me in paying tribute to Senator 
Paul Sandoval, a distinguished citizen.

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