Guillermo Linares
PER
Guillermo Linares Linares
Guillermo Linares grew up dirt poor in the Dominican Republic, came to New York City at age 15 knowing not a word of English, drove a taxi to pay for a college education, and believes he is the first Dominican to hold public office in the United States. Mr. Linares estimates that there are at least 500,000 illegal immigrants in New York City alone. Mr. Linares, 55, with the silver mustache and undulating hairline is a former teacher, city councilman, and lifelong Democrat who was appointed to his position by Mr. Bloomberg in 2004. He found a $15-a-week job in a bodega and struggled to finish high school. He became an American citizen during his sophomore year at City College, where he received B.A. and M.S. degrees and took a teaching job. He served on the local school board, then was elected to the City Council in 1991.