Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary public service of Justin R. Rodriguez, District 7 Trustee of the San Antonio Independent School District.

Justin R. Rodriguez, a long time Texas resident, was born in San Antonio in 1974. In addition to his current career in education, he also has extensive legal experience in both his own law practice and through his former job as Assistant District Attorney.

Mr. Rodriguez understands the needs of our community. As Trustee, his goal is to prepare our children for both higher education and for the future workforce. Setting out to help end teenage pregnancy, and working hard to improve high school graduation rates, Justin Rodriguez believes in our kids.

He is the recipient of numerous awards, most notably the Bruce F. Beilfuss Memorial Award for outstanding service to the University of Wisconsin Law School. Justin R. Rodriguez has also served as the President of the Jefferson Neighborhood Association.

Justin Rodriguez currently lives in San Antonio with his wife Victoria and three children: Miranda, Aidan, and 0livia.

It is an honor to recognize the hard work of Justin R. Rodriguez of the San Antonio Independent School District. His dedication to the education of our children will help to insure the futures of our youngest citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished public service of Hays County Justice of the Peace Beth Smith.

Beth Smith attended Austin Community College and Southwest Texas State University, studying Criminal Justice. She has set an example for other law enforcement professionals by continuously updating her educational credentials, working as a Campus Manager for Austin Community College and substitute teaching for the Hays County Independent School District. She was elected as the First Mayor of Mountain City in 1984, and served in that capacity for 14 years.

Judge Smith has been tremendously active in the community. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Hays Caldwell Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and the President of the Gang Response Intervention Program. She has held the position of Associate Municipal Judge for the City of Kyle, and is President of Hays County Rural Fire District #5.

Ms. Smith is married to her husband Everett, and has three children. She was first elected to office in 1999, and represents Precinct 2 on the County Justice Court. She has been especially zealous protecting the well-being of Hays County youth, and has been consistently involved with intervention programs to help those most at risk.

Justice of the Peace Beth Smith is a tremendous resource for her community, both as a volunteer and a public official. She has served her neighbors with distinction, and I am honored to have the chance to recognize her here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished public service of Andrew Cable.

Andrew Cable graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1992, and received his Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. Upon graduation, he decided to pursue a career in law and real estate. He has had an extremely varied and successful professional life: he currently holds a real estate license, a license as a community corrections officer, and a certification in commercial banking.

He and his wife, Rebecca, have been tireless volunteers in their community. Mr. Cable is a member of many organizations, including the Texas Justice Court Judges Association, the Texas Community Justice Task Force, the Wimberly High School Mentor Program, and the Community Emergency Response Team Advisory Board.

Mr. Cable was elected Justice of the Peace in 1998. He represents Precinct 3 of Hays County, which includes, among several other towns, Mr. Cable's home of Wimberly. His extensive education and experience make him an excellent public servant, and an important resource for his friends and neighbors.

Mr. Cable is the sort of energetic, knowledgeable leader who holds our communities together. The people of Hays County are lucky to have him as a Justice of the Peace, and I am happy to have the chance to acknowledge him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Lena F. BlaIock of Pleasanton, Texas for her dedication and commitment to community service.

Judge Lena Blalock has made the people of her district proud, by tirelessly dedicating her time to the Municipal Court for 25 years. Judge Blalock, originally from Silverton, Texas, has been the presiding Judge of the Pleasanton Municipal Court since 1985 and works day after day for the betterment of the Pleasanton community.

By working as a nurse during WorId War II, working for the police department as a dispatcher, and setting up a business in Pleasanton specializing in TV and radio equipment, Judge Blalock has lived an outstanding life of service to the Country and the community.

Judge Blalock has also been a member of the Church of Christ since 1946, and enjoys traveling, photography and crocheting. In her spare time, she also enjoys visiting senior citizens camps in the fall and spring.

Judge Blalock has demonstrated great dedication to community service and I am honored to recognize her accomplishments here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished public service of Pearsall City Councilman Conrad D. Carrasco, Jr.

Conrad Carrasco has long been an established part of Frio County's legal community. He entered public service in 1980, and served as Justice of the Peace for Precinct No. 3 through 1990. The Justice of the Peace is the judicial officer who works most closely with average citizens, and Mr. Carrasco's duties included the issuance of warrants and the settlement of small claims disputes between citizens. In this role, as in his other roles, Conrad Carrasco served the people of Frio County with distinction.

He was elected to the City Council of Pearsall in May, 2000. Mr. Carrasco has worked while on the council to safeguard Frio County's natural beauty and to ensure that the city is run in an accountable and effective manner. He serves in Place No. 3 on the Council, for a term that extends through May 2006.

Finally, he has distinguished himself as a businessman. He has been employed with KBJ's Loan Company since 1995, and continues to be a valuable part of his community's financial sector.

Conrad Carrasco has accumulated an impressive record of success in business and service to the people of Frio County. He is an important resource for his community, and I am proud to have had this opportunity to thank him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of Atascosa County Appraiser Eddie Bridge.

Eddie Bridge is a hard working member of our community, helping to appraise real estate and personal property in Bee, Crane, Crockett, and Refugio Counties. He also spends his time consulting and assisting the staff members of Frio, Hall, Irion, Martin, Menard, and Starr Counties in both physical and statistical reappraisals. Starting off as a Valuation Consultant with Pritchard and Abbot in 1993, Mr. Bridge has many years of experience in his special line of work.

Mr. Bridge is a model of energy and commitment, often working from eight in the morning till nine in the evening. Despite his demanding schedule, Mr. Bridge still finds time for ranching and running cattle.

Eddie Bridge lives in Pettus with his wife of 24 years and his two children. Both of his children are Valedictorians and his son Edward II serves at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Our Nation is built upon the hard work and dedication of citizens like Eddie Bridge, and it is important to recognize the value of their daily contributions to both town and country.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions of Atascosa County Appraiser Eddie Bridge.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of City Attorney Charles E. Zech.

Charles Zech serves as the City Attorney for New Braunfels, Texas. He handles all aspects

of municipal representation for the City of New Braunfels by providing representation and legal advice to the City Council, city employees, and 27 boards and commissions.

Before graduating from Southwest Texas State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Finance, Mr. Zech was a member of the United States Navy. He went on to receive his law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law. Attorney Zech is licensed to practice in all County and District Courts of Texas, the Texas Supreme Court, and the United States District Court.

He is a member of the Texas Bar Association, the San Antonio Bar Association, the Comal County Bar Association, and the Phi Alpha Delta International Legal Fraternity.

As an active member of the Board of Directors of the Texas City Attorney's Association and the chair of the ethics section of the International Municipal Lawyers Association, it is obvious that Mr. Zech plays an active role in the legal community.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize New Braunfels City Attorney Charles Zech for his dedication and contributions to the community and his service to our Country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thomas C. Lopez of the San Antonio Independent School District for his dedication to public service.

A long time resident of Texas, Thomas C. Lopez was born in San Antonio. He is a strong believer in his community, where he continues to work hard ensuring that our children receive the education that they deserve.

Thomas C. Lopez is no stranger to public service. He spent thirty- four years in the United States Army Reserve in active and reserve time. Having served his country, he retired with the rank of Major in 2004.

A strong believer in education, Mr. Lopez currently serves as Secretary and District 5 Trustee of the San Antonio Independent School District. He has also helped to improve our community through his involvement with the Affordable Housing Board of San Antonio Housing Services.

Mr. Lopez has striven to achieve the continued rebuilding of our inner-city neighborhoods. Because of his dedication toward education and housing, San Antonio, Texas is a better place for our families to live.

Mr. Speaker, I am deeply proud to have been given this opportunity to recognize Thomas C. Lopez of the San Antonio Independent School District for his dedicated service to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary work of the Pleasanton Police Department of Texas. They have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to the community for 53 years.

The Police Department was founded in 1952 and the first Chief of Police was Joe Sanders. Since 1952 there have been eight chiefs of police, and today the police department is made up of 16 commissioned officers, 5 communications operators and 1 data entry clerk.

The Pleasanton Police Department officers are devoted to performing their jobs in a professional manner while they are serving the community and the surrounding areas. The police department encourages all of its members to engage in community-building practices in order to provide quality service to all residents of the Pleasanton community.

The Pleasanton Police Department always strives to provide the highest quality service, preserving human rights, lives and property, while achieving the goals of the department serving the city and community. Currently holding the position of Chief is Gary Soward and Assistant Chief is John Eric Rutherford.

The men and woman of the Pleasanton Police Department are committed to excellence in leadership, providing progressive and proactive services that help to develop community partnerships and building for a better future.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this opportunity to recognize the noble service of all the officers at the Pleasanton Police Department.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the McMullen County Tax Collector Angela Boswick for her dedicated public service.

Angela Boswick is a proud native of Southwest Texas. She was born in Menard, Texas, where she attended Menard High School.

She began her professional life in the banking industry. During that period, she acquired the expertise and competence in finance that have stood her in such good stead during her work for the county.

Ms. Boswick has lived in McMullen County for the past 25 years. She entered public service in the tax office 15 years ago. Her hard work and competence have been repeatedly recognized by the county, and she has repeatedly been promoted, eventually rising to her current position as County Tax Collector.

Angela Boswick has been married for 10 years, and has further contributed to her community by raising two wonderful girls. She is the kind of public servant who holds our towns and cities together: hardworking, accountable, persistent and dedicated. Too often, the public servants who hold vital but low-profile positions such as tax collector do not get the recognition they deserve. For that reason, I am especially happy to have had the .chance to thank Angela Boswick here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Doug Sellers of the San Antonio Independent School District for his active work in our community.

Doug Sellers was born in the great State of Texas in 1952. He attended high school in San Antonio, where he currently serves as District 4 Trustee for the San Antonio Independent School District.

Doug Sellers is the type of educator who listens to our kids. Having started out as a Band Booster, he has been involved in the school district for over 15 years and he understands the unique needs of our children in the San Antonio community.

Doug Sellers believes that positive change in the educational community is the best way to help our city rise to the challenges of the next century. He has striven to make the San Antonio Independent School District a place where he is proud to send his own grandchildren.

Mr. Sellers is dedicated and passionate about improving our schools and he works hard for our community. Under Doug Sellers guidance, our educational and arts communities have a bright future.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to have been given this opportunity to recognize Doug Sellers of the San Antonio Independent School District for his dedication to the educational and arts communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of Pastor Andrew Wilson of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

A native Texan, Andrew Wilson grew up in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Guadalupe Theological Seminary in 1984 and later was named recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Theology from the Guadalupe District Association College.

Reverend Andrew Wilson has served as Pastor of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for over twelve years. Under his active and passionate guidance, the Shiloh ``Missionary Baptist Church has taken on numerous important community projects.

He serves as an active member of the Baptist Ministers Union, the Community Churches for Social Action, and as Spiritual Advisor to the San Antonio Chapter of the Texas Gospel Announcers Guild/Gospel Music Workshop of America. He also participates in the Nolan Street Bridge Program, which helps to feed the homeless in our community.

Pastor Wilson is the husband of Yevette Wilson, and father of Andrenette and the Reverend Leonard Wilson.

Mr. Speaker, Pastor Andrew Wilson is a source of tremendous strength for his community, and his commitment to serving his fellow man serves as a powerful example. I am proud to have the chance to honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Bill Carroll of Pleasanton, Texas for his distinguished record of dedication to his fellow citizens.

Bill Carroll was born and raised in Dilley, Texas. He served his country in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969, where he was a member of the 101st Airborne. He received his Bachelor's degree in Spanish from Texas State University, and first came to Pleasanton in 1979.

Mr. Carroll has been married to his wife, Beth, for 38 years, and has two sons. He has been highly active in community volunteer activities; he has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 30 years, and currently holds the rank of fifth degree knight and Ceremonial Delegate in that organization.

In 1998, Mr. Carroll was appointed to represent District 6 in the City Council. He was elected to the same office in 1999, and then rose to the rank of Mayor in May 2000. He has been reelected as Mayor in every subsequent year, and continues to hold the post today.

Mayor Carroll has distinguished himself as a soldier, a volunteer, a public servant, a husband, and a father. He is the kind of citizen who holds our communities together, through his hard work, energy, and willingness to serve. He is a credit and a blessing to Pleasanton, and I am proud to have the chance to thank him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mark T. Wilson, Mayor of Charlotte, Texas, for his dedicated service to his community.

Mayor Wilson is one of Charlotte's proudest native sons. Born and raised in Charlotte, he graduated from Charlotte High School and attended TSTI in Waco, TX. While in school, he studied farming and ranching in preparation for a career as a rancher.

Mr. Wilson's family has been in the ranching business for many years, and he has established himself in the business community as well, owning and operating heavy equipment and providing road construction and land clearing for local ranchers. In addition, he has given back to the community through his work as a public servant for the City of Charlotte. He began his service as an Alderman, and rose through the rank of Mayor Pro-Tem to become Mayor, a post he has held with distinction for the past 8 and 1/2 years.

He has left his mark on the community in other ways, as well. He and his wife, Jenci, are the parents of four children of their own, and have selflessly given their time to the foster parents' program. Mayor Wilson continues to give his time to his local church, the 4-H, and the Future Farmers of America.

Mayor Mark Wilson is a tremendous asset for the City of Charlotte, Texas. His work as a public servant, a successful businessman, and a dedicated father serve as an example to the rest of us. I am proud to have the opportunity to thank him here for all he has done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contribution of Judge Danny Valdez of Laredo, TX.

In May 1982, Danny Valdez was elected as Justice of the Peace, and is currently serving his sixth four-year term.

Judge Valdez has also received numerous awards. Some include: the 2000 Martin High School Tiger Legend, the Liberty Bell Award from the Laredo Bar Association, and the Community Service Award from Lulac Council #12.

Aside from presiding over one of the state's busiest courts, he makes time for many community activities. He has worked with at-risk students for the past 23 years, addressing issues such as truancy, gang violence, drug abuse, teen pregnancy and juvenile delinquency. He has been working with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Education Program to bring male and female inmates to our local middle and high schools to tell their life stories in an effort to educate, warn, and inform students about the dangers and consequences involved in making the wrong choices.

Judge Valdez has worked with the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust in the development of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Boy Scout Camp Huisahche and was also instrumental in the development of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Inner City Recreation Center.

Judge Valdez chairs the Annual Toys for Tejanitos Drive and the Angel Wish Program that benefits needy families in our community. He also chairs the Annual Fishing Derby for physically challenged students. This event has received Texas state wide recognition. He has also awarded over $60,000.00 in scholarships to deserving students from L.I.S.D. in Laredo, TX.

Judge Valdez is married to Isabel Valdez and has a son, Danny, Jr. and daughter, Maribel.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to recognize the contributions of Judge Danny Valdez.