José Hosken de Novaes

Hosken de Novaes was born on 7 February 1917 in Carangola, Minas Gerais, the son of Américo Moreira Novaes and Maria Hosken de Novaes. He was of Cornish descent.^[1] José moved to Rio de Janeiro in order to study law, and graduated with a degree in juridical sciences from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Faculty of Law. He moved to Londrina in 1941 to become the chief head of the juridical department. The rest of his family moved there in 1942, with him dedicating himself to advocacy.^[2]

He became involved in politics after the end of the Estado Novo regime in 1945, affiliating himself with the National Democratic Union (UDN).^[3] His reputation as a lawyer and as a leader went beyond the city, also becoming, at various points, the state prosecutor general, state Agriculture secretary, and a member of the State Commission of Land Revision and Queries.^[4]

In 1963, he was elected mayor of Londrina. During his administration, he created several public agencies, including the city telecommunications company and housing authority, the latter of which built the first public housing in Londrina.^[5] He also allocated resources towards education and water treatment.^[6]

Hosken de Novaes was later elected vice-governor of Paraná in 1979, later assuming the role of governor as then governor Braga ran for the federal senate.^[5] During his speech while taking office, he declared: "I intend to end this term without mischaracterizing it or reneging on its political promises."^[4] His brief administration was marked by limited spending, support for cultural activities, transparency, and social protections.^[2] He would later return to his law practice and teaching classes on civil rights.^[3]

Hosken de Novaes died on 31 January 2006.^[5]