HR1487 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1487 LRB099 24034 GRL 51635 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to honor and thank Flavio Gonzalez for his contributions to the community of Pilsen; and

WHEREAS, Flavio Gonzalez has an accomplished history of giving back to communities in need through construction, community affairs, political strategy, and not-for-profits; he serves as vice president of Club Villa Morelos, an organization that helps undocumented families in Pilsen and families in the state of Michoacan; he led a campaign to help rebuild an elementary school in Jureremba, Michoacan, a town that was in need of education and infrastructure; as vice president, he has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars that go back to rebuilding infrastructure in cities of Michoacan; and

WHEREAS, Flavio Gonzalez currently serves as Senior Advisor for Illinois State Representative Edward Acevedo, in which he has advised Representative Acevedo on public policies that matter to the residents of Pilsen; he has worked as a Labor Foreman with the City of Chicago for the past 15 years; he also has consulted on several historical pieces of legislation passed in the State of Illinois and has helped build a coalition of groups who protect the right of undocumented families; and

WHEREAS, Flavio Gonzalez, well known in his community as the "Mayor of Pilsen", is very active in the Pilsen community and a trusted advisor for many families, organizations, and parishes; he is also a member of Casa De Michoacan, the Pilsen Neighborhood Watch Coalition, the 25th Ward Progressive Party, the Little Village Rotary Club, and Saint Paul Church; and

WHEREAS, Flavio Gonzalez has made a priority of maintaining a viable and welcoming neighborhood for Pilsen families; he is presently working with city and community leaders to help keep the City of Chicago a sanctuary city, helping provide a safe haven for immigrants; he has been a vocal participant in helping Latino families stay in the Pilsen neighborhood, especially projects that will have a major impact on gentrifying Latino families; safety and security is a top concern for Mr. Gonzalez in the communities where he lives and Chicago at large; he is actively involved with the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy and the Pilsen Neighborhood Watch Coalition in the 25th Ward, working with residents and the police department to identify and solve neighborhood problems; he was also instrumental in laying the groundwork with city officials and State legislators for the Temporary Driver's License for the undocumented; and

WHEREAS, Flavio Gonzalez believes in giving back to the community and hosts many charitable events in the Pilsen community throughout the year, including the Acevedo Family Toy Drive, the Pilsen Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner, the Club Villa Morelos Education Fund, the Annual Pilsen Turkey Bowl, the monthly community Clean and Greens, and Senior Summer; he also serves as a mentor for future Latino leaders with an interest in public policy and immigration as part of a Mentorship Program developed by community leader Alex Acevedo; and

WHEREAS, Flavio Gonzalez has been married to his loving wife, Lourdes, for 25 years; he has three children, Fernando, Alma, and Flavio Jr.; in his spare time, he enjoys entertaining at his home and cooking for his family and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor and thank Flavio Gonzalez for his contributions to the community of Pilsen and wish him continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Flavio Gonzalez as a symbol of our esteem and respect.