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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PAYING TRIBUTE TO NICHOLAS FISH
______
HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ
of new york
in the house of representatives
Friday, January 10, 2020
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a lifetime of
public service. This week, Nicholas Fish, or Nick as his friends called
him, passed away. He will be fondly remembered for his commitment to
advancing the quality of urban life for all.
Nick was born in New York City in 1958. After attending the Dutchess
Day School as a child in Millbrook, NY, and later St. Alban's School in
Washington, DC, he earned his bachelor's degree in 1981 from Harvard
and in 1986 he completed a J.D. at Northeastern University.
Politics and public service were a family business for Nick. His
father and grandfather Hamilton Fish IV and III--both served in the
U.S. House of Representatives. His great-great-grandfather, Hamilton
Fish, served as a congressman, senator, governor of New York and
secretary of state to President Ulysses S. Grant.
Nick continued this illustrious family tradition, cutting his teeth
as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Barney Frank of
Massachusetts, an experience that he would often say fueled his passion
for serving others.
After earning his Juris Doctor, he practiced law in New York City,
representing healthcare workers and labor unions. He was appointed to
Manhattan's Community Board Five, where he served as Chair for two
years. In that capacity, Nick championed the upgrade of the Times
Square Hotel. In collaboration with local nonprofits, the hotel was
transformed into affordable housing and a thriving community for
residents with HIV, previously homeless individuals and employees of
New York City's theater district.
In the mid-1990s, Nick's wife, Patricia, was offered a job at
Portland State University and the couple moved west, settling in the
Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland. Although new to the West Coast,
Nick and Patricia quickly made fast friends in the community and he
continued his pursuit of public service in their new community. He
joined the board of the Housing Authority of Portland and worked to
raise money for local nonprofits that assisted victims of domestic
abuse and vulnerable children.
In 2008, Nick was elected to the Portland City Council. There he was
a steadfast voice for affordable housing. He was instrumental in the
creation of a separate city agency dedicated to addressing housing
issues and expanding and renovating Portland parks. For 11 years on the
Portland City Council, he earned a reputation as a steady hand, helping
improve the Council and make local government work for everyone. Known
for a steady temperament and sharp policy mind, he often took on the
toughest assignments of local government, such as overseeing the city
water and sewers bureaus, simultaneously. Even after confronting health
challenges, Nick continued his tireless work, serving on the City
Council until just a few days ago.
Today, our nation, the Capitol Hill Community and the City of
Portland have lost a dedicated statesman and a consummate public
servant. It is my hope that Patricia and his two children, Maria and
Chapin, may draw strength and comfort from his many contributions. I
ask all my colleagues to join me in paying homage to a lifetime of
service and remembering Nick Fish.
____________________
