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“TRIBUTE TO FERNANDO FERRER” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2203 on Dec. 4, 2001.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO FERNANDO FERRER
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HON. JOSE E. SERRANO
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, December 4, 2001
Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great leader and political figure. Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer has dedicated his life to serving the community and has been recognized nationally for revitalizing the Bronx.
I have known Mr. Ferrer, or Freddy as I know him, for 30 years and have been continuously impressed by his vigor and political expertise. Freddy was elected to his first term as borough president in 1987 with an overwhelming 87 percent of the public vote. To illustrate Freddy's outstanding leadership and how much Bronxites trust him, ten years and three terms later, he was reelected yet again with 87 percent of the public vote.
Mr. Speaker, it has been a pleasure to work with Freddy Ferrer throughout the years to continue and intensify the restoration of the Bronx. From the moment he took office, Freddy began implementing a new, higher set of standards by which to run the borough. These changes, such as his strict code of ethics for his staff, have made it easier to make necessary changes throughout the Bronx.
Among Freddy's long list of accomplishments, he led the Bronx to winning the prestigious National Civic League's All-American City Award in 1997 and the Crown Community Award presented by American City and County magazine in 1999. The New York State Department of Health statistics show that between 1995 and 1999, 4,110 fewer individuals were unemployed. During that period, the number of AIDS cases in the Bronx dropped by nearly 50%, and homicides decreased by roughly 23 percent. Since 1990, the Bronx has received 2.5 billion dollars worth of new construction. From new businesses to new housing developments, Bronx residents have been able to witness their community grow before their very eyes. Freddy orchestrated the nation's most comprehensive housing revival when nearly 64,000 new and rehabilitated residences became available in the Bronx. This surge of structural progress and the resurgence of local businesses have been pivotal in rejuvenating the spirit of the Bronx. Along with the legendary Yankee Stadium, which Freddy and myself strove to keep in the Bronx, our borough president has become an undeniable part of Bronx history.
Mr. Speaker, Freddy's roots are in the Bronx and he has not strayed from the borough. He was born there, attended primary and secondary school there, and attended the New York University at its Bronx campus. He and his distinguished wife, Aramina, raised their daughter, Carlina, in the Bronx as well. This fall, Freddy ran for New York City mayor, and in doing so, brought a new vision for all of our communities. Freddy's entire campaign, especially when he eloquently expressed his visions for the city in debates and speeches, made us all very proud.
I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Fernando Ferrer for over 20 years of remarkable and innovative service to the people of the Bronx.
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