http://www.inman.com/printer.asp?ID=22779

HUD nominee draws praise

Easy confirmation seen as Martinez says
he’ll push low-income homeownership

Thursday, January 18, 2001

Inman News Features

Mel Martinez, President-elect George W. Bush’s nominee as housing secretary, assured senators during his Wednesday confirmation hearing that he would help more low-income Americans buy their own homes.

Martinez, who fled from Cuba as a teen-ager, appeared headed for apparent easy confirmation as Democrats and Republicans alike on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hailed the him as an embodiment of the American dream and an excellent choice for the position.

Martinez, 54, the chairman of the Orange County, Fla., government that includes Orlando, promised to strengthen the Department of Housing and Urban Development and to make it more responsive to the nation's housing needs.

``Mel Martinez fulfilled the promise of America,'' Sen. Bob Graham (D-Fla.) said, joining fellow Florida Democrat Bill Nelson in giving the nominee a glowing introduction.

Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Tex.), who returns as chairman of the committee when President-elect Bush takes office Saturday, said he planned to schedule a vote on Martinez as early as Monday.

Unlike the acrimonious confirmation hearings for Attorney General-designate John Ashcroft several floors below, there was little hint of controversy in Martinez's two-hour hearing, the Associated Press reported.

Martinez related how he was a ``living testament to the promise of America,'' arriving at age 15 as a refugee speaking no English, living with foster parents until his parents could leave Cuba, and working his way through Florida State Law School.

``I came to America with a suitcase and the hope of a better live. I know the value of homeownership because I have witnessed its great power throughout my entire life,'' he said.

-- Anonymous, January 18, 2001

Answers

Martinez is a good man, but the wrong man for this job. Perhaps he would be better as assistant to the assistant of the Travel Publications Office.

-- Anonymous, January 18, 2001

What moc?

Maybe you don't like Mel's insistence last summer of mandatory drug tests for county employees.

-- Anonymous, January 18, 2001

Carlos:

Maybe you don't like Mel's insistence last summer of mandatory drug tests for county employees.

I wouldn't agree with that intrusive policy. Otherwise, I see no problem with him.

Best Wishes,,,

Z

-- Anonymous, January 19, 2001