A stretch of Redwood Road between 2100 South and 1700 North would be named the Pete Suazo Memorial Highway to honor the late senator, under a bill passed Tuesday by the Senate and sent to the House.
Suazo, who was killed in a 2001 ATV accident, represented west Salt Lake City residents in Utah's House of Representatives from 1993 to 1996, then served as state Senator from 1997 until his death. His widow, Alicia Suazo, served in the Senate for a year following his death.
Sen. Luz Robles carried SB117 to rename the road in his honor and some of his family members were on hand for Tuesday's unanimous Senate vote on the measure.
"This is a very important memorial for Utah's diverse community, for its Hispanic community," said Sen. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake City, "because truly, he led by example."
Suazo was hailed as a champion for human rights and a tireless voice for the underdog -- and Robles said he inspired her to enter politics. She now serves the same Senate district.
No funds were committed to this bill. Robles said new signs for the road would come later.
