August 29, 2001 - Boston Globe Letter to the Editor: Bush Labor Secretary and Former Director Elaine Chao supports Gaddi Vasquez

Peace Corps Online: Peace Corps News: Headlines: Peace Corps Headlines - 2001: 08 August 2001 Peace Corps Headlines: August 29, 2001 - Boston Globe Letter to the Editor: Bush Labor Secretary and Former Director Elaine Chao supports Gaddi Vasquez

By Admin1 (admin) on Sunday, September 02, 2001 - 9:54 pm: Edit Post

THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR PEACE CORPS

Author: Date: 08/29/2001 Page: A24 Section: Letters

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR REGARDING THE AUG. 6 EDITORIAL,
``BAD CHOICE FOR PEACE CORPS'':
Gaddi Vasquez, the new nominee for director of the Peace Corps has
demonstrated a commitment to public service throughout his life, having
served as a police officer and as a leader of numerous local civic groups. In
California, Vasquez has served ably during the administrations of Governors
George Deukmejian, Pete Wilson, and Gray Davis . In addition to a strong
management background, Vasquez will bring to the Peace Corps the kind of
zeal and commitment that typifies the director, staff, and volunteers of the
organization.

The son of migrant farm workers, Vasquez knows what it is like to grow up in
poverty and receive a helping hand. He recognizes the value of education, the
importance of having skills training, and an individual's desire to have a life of
hope and opportunity, three values that the Peace Corps spreads around the
world.

Overall, our presidents have nominated excellent Peace Corps director
candidates, many of whom have been the subject of initial skepticism about
their suitability. Only two of the previous 14 Peace Corps directors have been
former Peace Corps volunteers, yet all have served honorably and have
brought with them enthusiasm, judgment, and advocacy.

President Bush should be applauded for his announcement of Gaddi Vasquez
to be director of the Peace Corps. As the first Hispanic tapped for the job
and as one who has never forgotten the migrant farm worker camps, Gaddi
Vasquez is an outstanding nominee and should be rapidly confirmed.

ELAINE L. CHAO

US Secretary of Labor Washington, D.C.

The writer was Peace Corps director in 1991-92.


Read the full letter here from the Boston Globe archives - a fee may apply:

http://www.boston.com/globe/search/

By John N Smart (jnsmart) on Sunday, September 02, 2001 - 10:40 pm: Edit Post

It's interesting that Elaine Chao should be chosen by the administration to respond to the criticism of the Vasquez nomination, as she so clearly was. She, like Paul Coverdell, was an undistinguished Peace Corps director who served less time in the position than a volunteer serves in the field. And, since she is now a member of Bush's cabinet, one who can hardly be said to have overwhelming public approval herself, I question her ability to be either expert or impartial enough to comment in this matter.


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