[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 149 (Thursday, September 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING LUIS QUINTANA

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                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2022

  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my good friend 
Luis Quintana, the Councilman at Large in the City of Newark, New 
Jersey. Councilman Quintana is being honored as the Grand Marshall of 
this year's Puerto Rican Day Parade on September 18, 2022. Luis is a 
dedicated public servant and inspiring role model for the Puerto Rican 
community and the people of Newark who has served on the City Council 
for 28 years. Born in Anasco, Puerto Rico, Luis moved to Newark, NJ 
when he was seven years old. He faced challenges as he found himself in 
a new city where his classmates spoke a different language, but he 
overcame them and went on to graduate from Barringer High School before 
attending Seton Hall University. Luis became an advocate for Newark's 
youth, believing that all students deserved access to the same quality 
education regardless of background. At the same time, he was actively 
involved in the community, becoming a member of the Democratic County 
Committee in 1981 before serving as Deputy Mayor from 1986 to 1994. In 
2013, Luis broke boundaries when he became the first Hispanic Mayor of 
Newark, NJ. I could continue to list his many accomplishments, but I 
think the most important one is a goal he set himself during his time 
as Mayor. Luis said in an interview that his ``only mission is to make 
Newark a better place'' and he has undoubtedly done just that. His work 
has benefitted the many New Jerseyans who call Newark home, and he is a 
role model for the Puerto Rican community. I am proud to call 
Councilman Luis Quintana a colleague and friend.

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