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[Pages S1294-S1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING WILLIAM FULGINITI
Mr. UDALL. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to a
great New Mexican, William Fulginiti, who for 43 years led the New
Mexico Municipal League. Sadly, Bill passed away February 25, 2020, at
the age of 78, surrounded by family and those he loved.
[[Page S1295]]
Bill held the position of executive director of the State municipal
league for over four decades because, for all those years, he led the
organization with skill, energy, commitment, and vision. The New Mexico
Municipal League is 106 incorporated municipalities and 14 other
organizations strong because of Bill's work over the years growing the
organization. The league functions as one of the most effective voices
for New Mexico communities in our State. Over two-thirds of New
Mexico's population resides in incorporated municipalities. While
Bill's responsibility for promoting those communities was great, he
gladly took on the challenge and achieved enormous success over the
years.
Bill was a staple in New Mexico politics, a staple at the State
legislature. His work was, in large part, responsible for giving the
municipal league the strong voice it now has. Bill knew the facts. He
knew the programs. He knew the laws. He knew the people. He understood
the complexities of how cities work and brought his deft negotiating
skills to the table to further the interests of communities around the
State. He was, according to Roundhouse veterans, ``a force to be
reckoned with.''
Bill helped launch the New Mexico Self Insurers Fund and the National
League of Cities Mutual Insurance Fund, and he initiated the first bond
pool for New Mexico cities so they could access national bond markets
and save money on interest rates.
Bill's reach was wide. At various times, he served on the board of
directors of the National League of Cities. He testified before
Congress on the infrastructure needs of cities. At the time of his
passing, he served as vice chair of the New Mexico Finance Authority, a
legislatively created agency that helps finance important
infrastructure projects for cities, counties, and State agencies. And
he was serving as a member on the State water trust board, a board that
funds water projects critical to our arid State.
Over the years, Bill's work earned him the Governor's Distinguished
Public Service Award and the New Mexico Distinguished Public
Administration Award, among other awards.
Bill's many decades of public service also included serving our
Nation for 8 years in the U.S. Air Force. Bill earned his master's
degree in public administration from Pennsylvania State University.
Bill served our State with integrity, honesty, and a sense of humor,
and he helped mentor the next generation of public servants.
Bill's influence in our State was far and wide. His work will
continue to have a positive impact in the years to come. We will miss
you, Bill, but we will not forget you.
____________________
