[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING COMMISSIONER REBECA SOSA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2012

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Women's History month 
I rise today to honor Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, an admirable individual 
who has served South Florida with distinction.
  Commissioner Sosa was first elected to the Miami-Dade Board of County 
Commissioners in June 2001 to represent the residents of District 6. 
She has since been re-elected three times, most recently in 2010 
without opposition. Prior to joining Miami-Dade County, Commissioner 
Sosa served as mayor of the City of West Miami for seven years. During 
her tenure, the city recovered from a 52 percent budget deficit, thus 
removing it from the State Governor's Emergency list. She was essential 
in securing more than $5 million in grants for capital improvement 
projects for the city, as well as improving its drainage and parks 
system.
  Commissioner Sosa currently serves as Chair of the Miami-Dade County 
Economic Development and Social Services Committee. As Chair, she is 
responsible for providing oversight and guidance to several departments 
and agencies responsible for the economic development and 
revitalization of the community, by creating an atmosphere that 
promotes public and private partnerships. She is also a member of the 
South Florida Regional Planning Council, whose mission is to identify 
the long-term challenges and opportunities facing Southeast Florida. 
She also assists the region's leaders in developing and implementing 
creative strategies that promote a more prosperous and equitable 
community, a healthier and cleaner environment, and a more vibrant 
economy.
  She devotes her free time to civic activities, which include serving 
as the first Vice President of the Miami-Dade League of Cities, Chair 
of the West Miami Financial and Budget Committee, the West Miami 
Hurricane Preparedness Committee, among many others. Commissioner Sosa 
has been consistently recognized throughout her careeer and was 
recently awarded the ``Government & Law'' award during the 21st Annual 
``In the Company of Women'' Award Ceremony. The award is a testament to 
her leadership, creativity, and vision in addressing community issues 
in Miami-Dade County.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Commissioner Rebeca Sosa 
for her continued service to the South Florida community. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing a dear friend and remarkable 
individual. I wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

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