[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 189 (Friday, November 30, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                     CONGRESSMAN ED PASTOR TRIBUTE

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                           HON. RUBEN GALLEGO

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 30, 2018

  Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a statement by Greg 
Stanton, Former Phoenix Mayor, Congressman-Elect.

       Arizona lost one of its greatest servant leaders with the 
     passing of Congressman Ed Pastor. His humble nature, gentle 
     style and beautiful sense of humor belied a brilliant 
     tactician. His tremendous success in public service is 
     directly related to his understanding of human nature: treat 
     everyone, regardless of station in life or political party, 
     with sincere dignity, respect and love. And he delivered 
     overwhelmingly for the people of Arizona. Millions of 
     people's lives were helped because of ``the big guy.''
       Without Congressman Pastor's leadership, in Arizona, there 
     would be no light rail, no bus service improvements, no Rio 
     Salado riparian habitat development, no Sky Harbor Airport 
     upgrades, thousands of students would not have been able to 
     afford college. The list is virtually endless. The impact on 
     our state due to his strategic action is unsurpassed. But he 
     never once bragged about his success. He was a true 
     ``workhorse'' not a ``showhorse''.
       But his legacy goes way beyond physical improvements to our 
     state. In an era of such partisan tribalism, Congressman 
     Pastor showed by his actions a wiser path: he was a partner 
     to both Democrats and Republicans in this Congress. Members 
     of both parties, and all wings within those parties, liked 
     him and trusted him. We can all learn much from how he went 
     about his business.
       And he loved everyone right back. Its why he took the time 
     to mentor thousands of people looking to make a difference in 
     our community through politics and policy: myself included. 
     He taught all of us to lift up the next generation. That's 
     his most important legacy which will pay the most long-term 
     dividends for our state.
       Nicole and I loved Ed Pastor. He passed on his passion for 
     public service to his family, all of whom are great leaders 
     in our community. I had the good fortune to work closely with 
     City Councilwoman Laura Pastor. We offer Verma, Laura, and 
     Yvonne our sympathies . . . but mostly we give them our 
     thanks for sharing this great leader with the people of 
     Arizona.

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