September 9, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 155 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page S5509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING RONNIE LOPEZ

 Ms. SINEMA. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the I life of 
Ronnie Lopez, a beloved men to, and community leader in Arizona. Lopez 
is intimately known around the Valley by many for his efforts 
championing public policies and civic engagement for Phoenix's Latino 
community.
  Born in the small mining town of Miami, AZ, Ronnie was raised 
alongside his two older brothers by his hard-working mother, who 
cleaned houses and worked in the area mines to provide for their 
family. Ronnie's professional career in Phoenix began in them id 1960s 
as a field representative for the Arizona State Civil Rights 
Commission, where he investigated discrimination allegations. Shortly 
after, Ronnie extended his expertise to Chicanos Por La Causa, an 
organization dedicated to supporting underserved Latinos in Phoenix, 
and was elected justice of the peace in West Phoenix. In 1978, Ronnie 
accepted a position to serve on the staff of Arizona Governor Bruce 
Babbitt, where he championed better housing and education for the 
Latino community. In the many years that followed, Ronnie ran his own 
consulting firm--working with government leaders, businesses, and 
public campaigns to facilitate change for Arizonans in need. In what 
free time he had left, Ronnie endeavored to mentor many of Arizona's 
young public servants, some of whom serve as elected officials today. 
Above all else, those who had the pleasure of working with Ronnie will 
remember him for his selflessness.
  Please join me in honoring life of Ronnie Lopez, a devoted leader, 
mentor, and personal friend whose impact will not be forgotten.

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