[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 6 (Friday, January 10, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO NICHOLAS FISH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 10, 2020

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a lifetime of 
public service. This week, Nicholas Fish, or Nick as his friends called 
him, passed away. He will be fondly remembered for his commitment to 
advancing the quality of urban life for all.
  Nick was born in New York City in 1958. After attending the Dutchess 
Day School as a child in Millbrook, NY, and later St. Alban's School in 
Washington, DC, he earned his bachelor's degree in 1981 from Harvard 
and in 1986 he completed a J.D. at Northeastern University.
  Politics and public service were a family business for Nick. His 
father and grandfather Hamilton Fish IV and III--both served in the 
U.S. House of Representatives. His great-great-grandfather, Hamilton 
Fish, served as a congressman, senator, governor of New York and 
secretary of state to President Ulysses S. Grant.
  Nick continued this illustrious family tradition, cutting his teeth 
as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Barney Frank of 
Massachusetts, an experience that he would often say fueled his passion 
for serving others.
  After earning his Juris Doctor, he practiced law in New York City, 
representing healthcare workers and labor unions. He was appointed to 
Manhattan's Community Board Five, where he served as Chair for two 
years. In that capacity, Nick championed the upgrade of the Times 
Square Hotel. In collaboration with local nonprofits, the hotel was 
transformed into affordable housing and a thriving community for 
residents with HIV, previously homeless individuals and employees of 
New York City's theater district.
  In the mid-1990s, Nick's wife, Patricia, was offered a job at 
Portland State University and the couple moved west, settling in the 
Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland. Although new to the West Coast, 
Nick and Patricia quickly made fast friends in the community and he 
continued his pursuit of public service in their new community. He 
joined the board of the Housing Authority of Portland and worked to 
raise money for local nonprofits that assisted victims of domestic 
abuse and vulnerable children.
  In 2008, Nick was elected to the Portland City Council. There he was 
a steadfast voice for affordable housing. He was instrumental in the 
creation of a separate city agency dedicated to addressing housing 
issues and expanding and renovating Portland parks. For 11 years on the 
Portland City Council, he earned a reputation as a steady hand, helping 
improve the Council and make local government work for everyone. Known 
for a steady temperament and sharp policy mind, he often took on the 
toughest assignments of local government, such as overseeing the city 
water and sewers bureaus, simultaneously. Even after confronting health 
challenges, Nick continued his tireless work, serving on the City 
Council until just a few days ago.
  Today, our nation, the Capitol Hill Community and the City of 
Portland have lost a dedicated statesman and a consummate public 
servant. It is my hope that Patricia and his two children, Maria and 
Chapin, may draw strength and comfort from his many contributions. I 
ask all my colleagues to join me in paying homage to a lifetime of 
service and remembering Nick Fish.

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