[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 127 (Monday, July 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING TEOFILO ``TIO'' ARCHULETA TACHIAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 24, 2023

  Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Teofilo ``Tio'' Archuleta Tachias. Arizona owes a debt of gratitude to 
Tio, who we lost at the age of 87 on July 6. Tio was an Arizona 
trailblazer, a champion for the Hispanic and Native communities, and a 
consequential leader who broke economic, social, and political barriers 
to forge a stronger path forward for our state.
  Born in Cabezon, New Mexico, Tio and his family moved to Flagstaff, 
Arizona when he was six years old. He would soon find his passion for 
public service when he volunteered for former President Harry S. 
Truman's presidential campaign at only 12. Tio eventually ran for 
office himself and became the first Latino in Flagstaff who won a major 
election when he was elected to the Coconino County Board of 
Supervisors. He continued his public service career with the Arizona 
Board of Regents and was selected as its president in 1984.
  Tio was always one to advocate for causes greater than himself, and 
he was regarded as a humble king maker who seldom spoke and was hard to 
dislike, even by his political adversaries. He showed people what 
``boots on the ground'' really meant and made it his mission to reach 
people wherever they were. Tio channeled his talents to turn out 
historic numbers of Native American voters throughout Arizona and 
ensure thousands of people can exercise their right to vote. His 
organizing led to historic elections including that of former Arizona 
Governor Raul H. Castro, the first Hispanic governor of our state, as 
well as helping to elect the first Native American and African American 
to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors.
  Tio mentored an entire generation of political leaders in Arizona, 
but above all, he cherished his role as a father, grandfather, great 
grandfather, and even great-great grandfather. Our community is 
fortunate to have bore witness to Tio's legacy and know that his impact 
will be felt by generations through the many lives he touched.
  I thank you Tio, and Godspeed.

                          ____________________