[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23346]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATIONS TO JUDGE SERGIO GUTIERREZ

  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, today I congratulate and honor a man whose 
contributions are an example to all of us. Idaho's Judge Sergio 
Gutierrez was recently recognized by Hispanic Business magazine as one 
the 100 most influential Hispanics.
  Judge Gutierrez holds the distinction of being the first Hispanic 
judge in Idaho. A judge since 1993, he was appointed to the Idaho Court 
of Appeals in January of this year by Gov. Dirk Kempthorne. Sergio 
Gutierrez does a tremendous job as a judge, but his contributions go 
far beyond those he has made in his official capacity. Judge Gutierrez 
has worked to fight drugs, register voters, curb gang violence, and 
promote education, and he sits on the Governor's Coordinating Council 
for Families and Children. I am also honored that he serves as a member 
of my Hispanic advisory group in Idaho. His wisdom and advice have been 
invaluable assets as we have worked together to meet the needs of 
Idaho's Hispanic population.
  It is hard to believe Judge Gutierrez was once a ninth grade dropout. 
However, with perseverance, he attained his GED, worked his way through 
college, and went on to graduate cum laude from Boise State University, 
later earning a law degree from Hastings Law School.
  Judge Gutierrez believes in people, and he goes out of his way to 
help others overcome unfortunate circumstances that otherwise would 
limit their success. As a judge, he takes the opportunity to counsel 
with those who come into his court room. He often invites defendants 
into his chambers to discuss their futures, including drug 
rehabilitation, job training, and education. This is not a common 
practice among judges, but it has proven to be effective in the lives 
of the individuals whom Judge Gutierrez has touched.
  I am proud to know Judge Sergio Gutierrez, and I would like to thank 
Hispanic Business magazine and its readers for recognizing this 
talented man. I would also like to thank Judge Gutierrez on behalf of 
the people of Idaho for the contributions he has made to our State and 
its people. He is truly an inspiring example for all of us.

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