[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 102 (Friday, June 22, 2007)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1395] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN HONOR OF RUBEN RAMOS, JR. ______ HON. ALBIO SIRES of new jersey in the house of representatives Friday, June 22, 2007 Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker. I rise to honor Hoboken City Councilman-at- Large Ruben Ramos, Jr. during Hoboken Cultural Week 2007. Ramos, Jr., who was born and raised in Hoboken, is the first Puerto Rican from, Hoboken to be nominated to the New Jersey State Assembly. At age 25, Ramos, Jr. became the youngest councilman to be elected in the City of Hoboken in 1999, representing the 4th Ward. That same year, Ramos, Jr. was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. A proven fighter, Ramos, Jr. underwent rigorous chemotherapy treatment and was declared cancer free a year later, going on to become one of the most outstanding Hoboken citizens of Puerto Rican heritage. Two years later, in 2001, Ramos, Jr. ran successfully for Councilman- at-Large, and became the youngest City Council President in the history of Hoboken. He was re-elected to the City Council in 2005. During his 8 years serving on the Hoboken City Council, Ruben Ramos, Jr. has been able to work effectively with its members to bring effective development to the city and the waterfront. Ramos, Jr. took action to create more open space while expanding much needed residential parking spaces. Councilman Ramos, Jr. also helped clean up the Housing Authority and created the town's summer employment for teenagers program in city departments. In the national arena, Ramos, Jr. was selected by Al Gore's 2000 election committee to serve on the Platform Committee of the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, where he delivered a stirring keynote speech. Ramos, Jr. was also chosen by the Democratic National Committee to serve on their credentials committee during the presidential campaign. Councilman Ruben Ramos, Jr. is a graduate of Farleigh Dickinson University and has taught Social Studies to sixth, seventh and eighth- grade students for the last 10 years. Aware of their needs and hoping to shape the lives of young residents in the area, Ramos, Jr. has volunteered with the Hoboken Boy's and Girl's Club. Please join me in honoring Ruben Ramos, Jr. during Hoboken Cultural Week and congratulating his wife Norma, his two beautiful daughters, and the Puerto Rican family members who helped shape the outstanding life of this young elected official that has become a role model for his fellow citizens. ____________________