Political Quotes

“Over this last weekend, we celebrated the life of Leonel J. Castillo: educator, civil rights activist, and Houston's first Hispanic elected official, but--a truely--wonderful and deserving and outstanding American. I rise today to pay tribute to Leonel J. Castillo, a legendary pioneer figure in the history of Houston and, as I said, the first Hispanic elected to public office in Houston. He died on November 4, 2013. But this weekend, we had a chance to be with his family and to celebrate his life, to name a neighborhood center after him, to hear the testimonies regarding his passion and his love of bringing people together, and to hear about his love for his family. He was inspired by President John F. Kennedy and joined the Peace Corps, where he met his wonderful, beautiful wife, Evelyn, and had two children: a daughter, Avalyn, and a son, Efrem. He met his wife in the Philippines. And we know today that we are praying for all of them in the Philippines. Leonel, of course, in 1967, moved his family back to Houston. We are so delighted. He served as the director of SER-Jobs for Progress. In 1971, he was elected comptroller of the city of Houston. When nominated for INS Commissioner President Carter said: ``He is a man who has the highest possible reputation. He is a public administrator, and I think I can tell you that he is going to take on one of the most difficult jobs in government.'' Mr.…”