Lugar Statement of Introduction for John Fernandez

Statement

Lugar Statement of Introduction for John Fernandez

U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar made the following statement of introduction today for John Fernandez, former mayor of Bloomington, Indiana, to be Assistant Secretary of Economic Development for the Economic Development Administration.

Thank you, Madame Chairman, for this opportunity to introduce to the Committee John Fernandez, whom the President has nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Economic Development for the Economic Development Administration. John is joined here today by his wife, Karen, and a host of proud relatives in celebration of this important achievement.

John Fernandez is a well known Hoosier leader in Indiana, especially in the Bloomington area. John attended Indiana University where he received his Bachelor of Science from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He followed this academic pursuit by adding a Masters of Public Affairs degree and Doctorate of Law, both from Indiana University in Bloomington. During this time, he also ran successfully for the Bloomington City Council, and served as its president in 1991. After clerking for Indiana Supreme Court Justice Roger DeBruler, John entered private practice.

From 1996 through 2003, John served as the Mayor of Bloomington, Indiana. I enjoyed opportunities to visit with John during his annual trips to Washington, D.C., with an esteemed delegation from the Bloomington area. I appreciated those opportunities to learn more about John's activities and leadership and to work together on projects of critical importance to the community.

The EDA is an important asset to our local communities, especially today, given the exceptional challenges and stresses the current economic situation presents. The EDA works carefully with local and state organizations to revitalize infrastructure, provide technical and planning expertise and coordinate individual assistance for workers. In almost every instance where a community experiences considerable economic decline - shuttering factories, increasing rates of unemployment and a lack of investments toward new business activity - there stands ready a tremendous collection of local talent, ability, and resources that can be reinvigorated and retooled to new projects and purposes. Identifying and securing the needed investments and expertise to kick-start economic development projects is often a challenge. The federal government, through the EDA, can be an effective partner by providing guidance and an avenue for competitive funding. In turn, communities are able to attract private capital investments, foster growth in new and innovative industries, and provide new employment opportunities.

Many parts of our home state of Indiana have suffered heavy job losses during this difficult time. The Elkhart-Goshen metro area in the Third Congressional District, for example, has a 17.5 percent unemployment rate according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Economic Development Administration will be a key player in assisting these communities. John's experience as a City Council member and Mayor are ideally suited for this type of leadership role.

Madame Chairman, it is my privilege to recommend a signal leader to address these critical challenges in Indiana and throughout our country.

Source