[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15690-15691]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise to 
celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and its 2010 theme--
Celebrating History, Heritage, and the American Dream. From September 
15, 2010 through October 15, 2010, the people of the United States will 
once again celebrate the histories, cultures, and traditions of our 
Hispanic American brothers and sisters. Since its inception as National 
Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, and became known as National Hispanic 
Heritage Month in 1988, Americans have taken this time to not only 
honor the rich culture and traditions of Hispanic Americans, but also 
to reflect on the countless contributions they have made that have led 
to improvements in their communities, and in turn, a better America.
  As we reflect on the importance of the contributions that have been 
made by Hispanic Americans, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to one individual in particular from the First 
Congressional District who has represented the epitome of leadership 
and civil service within Northwest Indiana, the Honorable Mara 
Candelaria Reardon, Indiana State Representative, District 12. A 
lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, Representative Candelaria 
Reardon's continued dedication and commitment to her community is to be 
commended. Being the first Latina elected to the Indiana General 
Assembly, Representative Candelaria Reardon's service is an inspiration 
not only to the Hispanic community, but to women of every cultural 
background, which is fitting as we also recently celebrated the 90th 
Anniversary of the Woman's Right to Vote on August 26, 2010.
  Mara Candelaria Reardon was born in East Chicago, Indiana. She is the 
daughter of Isabelino ``Cande'' Candelaria, the first Puerto Rican 
appointed to a city council in Indiana, and Victoria Soto Candelaria, 
the first Latina elected as President of the Indiana Federation of 
Teachers. Growing up in a family where community activism and Hispanic 
heritage were core values has undoubtedly been the foundation of her 
remarkable career.
  Representative Candelaria Reardon has extensive experience in the 
public and private sectors. Her introduction to public service began 
while working for my office as a Federal Projects Coordinator. Mara 
Candelaria Reardon was elected Representative for Indiana State 
District 12 in 2006, and she continues to passionately serve the 
constituents of her district stating, ``Their concerns and goals will 
serve as the focal point of my efforts in the Indiana House of 
Representatives. I look forward to the opportunity of working with 
local officials and community leaders to ensure that their needs are 
addressed.'' Throughout her tenure in the Indiana General Assembly, a 
main goal for Representative Candelaria Reardon has been working to 
lower property taxes, fighting for realistic tax policies.
  In addition to her impressive career, Representative Candelaria 
Reardon is involved in numerous commendable organizations. Currently, 
she serves as Treasurer of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, an 
organization that works to create and expand state legislation that 
supports minority communities throughout the state of Indiana. 
Recently, she was elected as Treasurer of the National Hispanic Caucus 
of State Legislators (NHCSL). The NHCSL is a national organization that 
unites Hispanic state legislators who work to positively impact the 
quality of life within Hispanic communities across the United States. 
Through the NHCSL, Representative Candelaria Reardon is able to work on 
issues such as quality education, healthcare, affordable housing, 
comprehensive immigration reform, and job creation on behalf of the 
Hispanic community in her district and across the nation.
  Mara's dedication to Indiana District 12 and the community of 
Northwest Indiana is exceeded only by her devotion to her wonderful

[[Page 15691]]

family. She and her loving husband, Matthew, have two children, 
Christian and Victoria.
  Madam Speaker, as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, let 
us pay tribute to leaders such as Representative Mara Candelaria 
Reardon, who have contributed so much to the improvement of our 
communities and our nation. I respectfully ask that you and my other 
colleagues join me in commending Representative Candelaria Reardon for 
her lifetime of service to the Hispanic community and the community of 
Northwest Indiana. I am proud to serve as her representative in 
Washington, D.C.

                          ____________________