Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alderman Augustine Munoz for his public service to the city of Charlotte, Texas.

Augustine Munoz is no stranger to serving his country. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he served as an artillery trainer. It was this same patriotism and dedication that later led him into the service of his local community.

Augustine Munoz has lived in Charlotte for over 72 years. His experience spans across many trades, including work in construction and the oil fields. He currently works on numerous committees and has spent time working with the Democratic Party.

As a longstanding community participant, he has dedicated much of his life to improving the City of Charlotte. While times may have changed, Augustine Munoz remains a steadfast community leader and organIzer.

Augustine Munoz has been married for over fifty years. He is a devoted family man who loves to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I am deeply proud to have this opportunity to recognize Alderman Augustine Munoz of Charlotte for his dedicated public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of Judge Hector J. Liendo in Laredo, TX in my Congressional District.

Born July 10, 1950, Judge Liendo attended Leyendecker Elementary School, L.J. Christen Jr. High and Martin High School. He later attended Laredo Junior College and received his Associates Degree in Computer Science.

Judge Hector J. Liendo enlisted in the military and chose the U.S. Navy right after high school. Through the navy he traveled to south East Asia, China, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Borneo, Pakistan, Australia, Singapore, Okinawa, Japan, a brief tour to the ship's maiden name, ``The Anchorage Alaska'' and crossed the equator twice with a big celebration.

While in the navy, he made five tours to Vietnam during his four-year enlistment. He was awarded the Vietnam service medal, the Vietnam campaign medal, the combat action ribbon and the Philipino Presidential Citation. He received an honorable discharge in February 1973.

Shortly after arriving in Laredo, Judge Liendo left for Michigan where he worked as a crane operator for the Pontiac Motor Company. Later in 1973, he worked at the Laredo City Drug Store in downtown Laredo. He got married in June 17, 1974 and started attending Laredo Junior College, full time.

In 1978, Judge Liendo went to Houston, to work in the Seismic Processing Department. He was employed as a computer operator and his duties entailed payroll, accounts payable & receivables, and accounting general ledger.

He then worked for Entex as a marketing representative and served as a City Councilman for District VII from 1988-1992.

In 1993 he was elected Justice of the Peace, Precinct One, Place One and ran unopposed for a second term in 1997. As Justice of the Peace Judge Liendo deals with civil cases, criminal cases, traffic citations, fines and court hearings.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions of Judge Hector J. Liendo.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize attorney Joaquin L. Rodriguez for his many years of service and civic involvement.

Born and raised in Uvalde, Texas, Mr. Rodriguez first attended Southwest Texas Junior College before transferring to University of Texas at Austin and attaining a B.A. in Government. Later, Mr. Rodriguez attended the Texas Tech School of Law and obtained a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas School of Law.

After passing the Texas Bar in 1982, Mr. Rodriguez started his legal career and quickly became partner at Knickerbocker, Cowan, Heredia & Rodriguez law firm in Eagle Pass, TX. Over the years of his career, Mr. Rodriguez has mainly dealt within the area of personal injury and the representation of Plaintiffs.

In 1997, Mr. Rodriguez became a founding partner at Rodriguez & Muniz-Berain Law Firm and worked there for 11 years. Afterwards, Mr. Rodriguez found Joaquin L. Rodriguez & Associates in 1999 and has since been working there, serving the citizens of Eagle Pass.

While living and working in Eagle Pass, TX, Mr. Rodriguez has continued to involve himself and serve in the civic community. Among his involvements, Mr. Rodriguez has served as Chairman of the Eagle Pass Housing Authority, Legal Counsel of the City of Eagle Pass Library Foundation, and as Advisory Board Member on a number of local Texas banks. Mr. Rodriguez was also elected as Mayor of Eagle Pass with an impressive 94 percent vote in May, 2002.

Among his honors and awards, Mr. Rodriguez was distinguished as ``Professional of the Year'' in 1999 by the Eagle Pass Business Journal. He also became a Keeton Fellow of the University of Texas School of Law Alumni Association in 2001.

Mr. Speaker, it has been my pleasure today to recognize the accomplishments and services of Mr. Joaquin L. Rodriguez.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Saul Ramirez for his commitment to serving the citizens of Laredo, Texas.

Saul Ramirez began his career as a Laredo City Council Member in 1982. He has held a number of positions in local government, and his contributions to town and country have helped transform Laredo into an international center of commerce.

As the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, he handled major federal neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and homelessness programs within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As Assistant Secretary he oversaw rehabilitation programs such as Community Block Grant, Hope for Ownership of Single Family Homes, Home Investment Partnership, and various other programs that establish funding for housing and support services.

Among other accomplishments in his distinguished career, Mr. Ramirez created the Laredo Affordable Housing Finance Corporation in 1990. He has worked hard to help some of Laredo's poorest neighborhoods. Working to improve housing in the Laredo community, Saul Ramirez's tireless efforts ensure that our citizens have a decent place to live.

A former mayor of Laredo, Mr. Ramirez is no stranger to the unique needs of his community. Serving at a time of great community growth, he has helped to provide guidance and leadership for our changing city.

Saul Ramirez is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including Newsweek Magazine's ``25 Most Dynamic Mayors'' in 1996. He has served as Director of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, as a Board Member of the U.S. Council of Mayors, and with the Texas Municipal League.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the important contributions of Saul Ramirez. His hard work and community dedication have helped to transform Laredo into the city it is today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Atascosa County Sheriff Tommy Williams.

Tommy Williams is an excellent example of a Sheriff who understands the needs of his community. Sheriff Williams has been serving his community since 1973, when he first became sheriff of Atascosa.

Sheriff Williams is a man who believes in the value of community involvement and intervention. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Master Peace Officer certificate. Williams has also served as President of the Sheriff's Association of Texas. He is a member of the National Sheriff's Association, Sheriff's Association of Texas, the Poteet VFW Post and the American Legion Post.

Sheriff Williams believes that an informed public is better equipped for preventing crime in our streets and neighborhoods. As part of his duties and responsibilities, Sheriff Williams provides security for the operation of county and district courts as well as enforcing county ordinances and other state laws.

Sheriff Williams is a major resource for his county and sets a great example for his law enforcement community.

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the past and future accomplishments of Atascosa County Sheriff Tommy Williams.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize distinguished civic service of Seguin Mayor Betty Ann Matthies.

Betty Ann Matthies is a native of Guadalupe County. She graduated from Seguin High School, and attended the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated from the Steton School of Nursing in Austin in 1976, and received her Certificate in Heath Care Administration from Trinity University in 1978.

Ms. Matthies has been a strong advocate for health care in Guadalupe County. She has been involved in nursing for almost 30 years, and is a member of the American Nurses Association, the Texas Nurses Association, the Texas Organization of Nurse Executives, and the American Organization of Nurse Executives.

Betty Ann Matthies entered public service in 2000, as Seguin District 7 City Council Member. In 2004, she was elected Mayor of Seguin. In addition to her executive responsibilities, she finds time to give to a variety of volunteer organizations. She is a member of Seguin Senior Citizens, the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and she is director of the Pecan Museum.

Betty Ann Matthies has done a great deal for the people of Guadalupe County, both as a nurse and a public official. Her energy and spirit of volunteerism serve as a wonderful example to all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this opportunity to recognize the many achievements of Seguin Mayor Betty Ann Matthies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important achievements of San Marcos Councilman Daniel Guerrero, of my Congressional District.

Daniel Guerrero is a native of San Marcos, and graduated from San Marcos High School in 1995. He decided to further his education and earned his Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication/Public Relations in 2000 from Texas State University.

Mr. Guerrero was elected to the San Marcos City Council in 2004. He is actively involved in the community, giving his time to a variety of organizations that work for the public good. He has worked as City Councilman to improve city planning and the city's quality of life.

Daniel Guerrero served as President of LULAC No. 654, and was appointed by the City Council to serve on the Arts Commission. He is an inspiration for his public service, and believes deeply in the role of the community in supporting and encouraging strong families.

Daniel currently works as a national recruiter and professional development specialist with Inroads, Inc. He is a member of the Austin Chapter of the Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists, the Texas State University Alumni Association, and Omega Delta Phi Alumni Association.

Mr. Speaker, Daniel Guerrero's career as a public servant has done credit to the city of San Marcos, and I am proud to have the opportunity to thank him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reverend L.A. Williams for his service to the Wheatley Heights First Baptist Church and to the San Antonio community.

Reverend L.A. Williams is a native Texan whose ministry reaches far beyond the walls of the Wheatley Heights First Baptist Church and into the San Antonio community. Currently serving as the Moderator of the Guadalupe District Missionary Baptist Association, College, Incorporated, and other organizations such as the Baptist Minister's Union of San Antonio and Vicinity, Reverend Williams is always trying to reach out to the community to offer a helping hand.

Born in Houston, Texas, Reverend Williams attended E.L. Furr High School, and upon graduating studied at Southwestern Business College and the Union Baptist Bible College and Seminary. His awe-inspiring dedication to spreading the Word of God officially started when he delivered his first sermon on the third Sunday of July 1973 at the Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church. He went on to serve many churches across the state of Texas, but since 1984 he has found himself at Wheatley Heights First Baptist Church.

It is here in San Antonio that Reverend L.A. Williams has touched the lives of many and helped them realize that there is always much to hope for. Whether he is rebuilding the Church itself due to a flood or helping a kid in need, the Reverend always is serving his fellow man and woman to the greatest degree.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the privilege and opportunity to recognize this man of faith, Reverend L.A. Williams.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of the Reverend Edward L. Hayes.

Reverend Hayes, who was born in 1948, is a long-time Texan. He attended school in the San Antonio area and later became a graduate of the Guadalupe Seminary. In 1982 Reverend Hayes was ordained to the ministry at Shiloh. He served as Pastor at St. Frederick Baptist Church for nine years before moving to St. Stephen Baptist Church in October of 1994.

A dedicated and passionate member of our local community, Reverend Hayes has worked tirelessly as the MLK Commission Chairman for San Antonio and has been instrumental in the Meals on Wheels for Christian Senior Services program. His dedicated community service has helped those who need it the most.

It is important to recognize the good work of spiritual leaders in our community. The service and leadership of people like Reverend Hayes is important, especially for the elderly or less fortunate among us. Reverend Hayes spends his days providing not only community guidance, but also leading by his good example.

Reverend Edward Hayes and his wife Rice have three children and one grandchild. Rice Hayes is a local teacher at the Judson School District.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions of Reverend Edward L. Hayes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of the Reverend Paul D. Stevens, Sr.

Rev. Stevens was born the third of seven children in Westlake, Louisiana. His father, Willie Stevens Jr., was also a minister. Paul Stevens first came to Texas to study for his Master of Arts degree, which he received from the Houston Graduate School of Theology.

Rev. Stevens has been a minister for over 20 years, and is a certified Pastoral Care Specialist. Under his leadership, the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church has grown from 188 to over 560 members. He has served the needs of his growing congregation by overseeing the construction of a 1.5 million dollar worship center, and the founding of several new ministry programs.

In addition to his formal duties, Rev. Stevens has found the time to participate in several community organizations. He is a member of the NAACP and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, a board member of the Community of Churches for Social Action and the Cooperative Ministry for Higher Education, and a member of the Baptist Ministers Union of San Antonio and Vicinity. Reverend Stevens has been married to Belinda Hubbard Stevens for 20 years, and is the father of two teenagers, Paul Jr. and Kayla.

Mr. Speaker, he is a source of tremendous strength for his community and his congregation, 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 to recognize the many contributions that Reverend Howard Anderson has made to his community.

Howard Anderson is a native of New York City. He first came to Texas to attend the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, from which he received his Masters in Divinity.

Reverend Anderson was ordained in 1980 under the authority and order of St. Paul Baptist Church in San Antonio. He served under the leadership of Live Oak Baptist Church in New Braunfels, and began his interim tenure at Coliseum Park Baptist Church in San Antonio in October 1995.

Mr. Anderson has also had a distinguished career in military service. He served for 15 years, winning the Military Excellence Award from the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy and rising to the highest possible enlisted rank: Chief Master Sergeant.

Finally, Reverend Anderson has been a tireless volunteer and community activist. He is an active Mason, a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and a Golden Heritage Life Member of the NAACP. He serves as President of the Ministers Conference of the American Baptist Convention of Texas, and is an adjunct faculty member at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, Reverend Howard Anderson has proven himself to be an outstanding leader, a committed community activist, and an exceptional spiritual resource for the San Antonio community. He has truly distinguished himself, and I am proud to have the opportunity to thank him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hal Baldwin, mayor of Schertz, Texas, for his commitment to public service.

Hal Baldwin's life has been fully dedicated towards helping of his fellow citizens ever since he served with the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing at Naba Air Force Base during the Korean war. He continued to serve with the U.S. Air Force until 1974, when he retired from the military profession as a senior master sergeant.

After the conclusion of his military tenure, Baldwin moved back to Schertz where he served 6 years as the assistant city manager of Schertz. After his tour of duty as the assistant city manager, Baldwin was appointed to the Schertz City Council in 1983. He served his community with distinction in this post until May 1994 when the City Councilman Hal Baldwin became the Mayor Hal Baldwin.

Now, going on 11 years of service to Schertz as Mayor, Hal Baldwin also has spent 48 lovely years with his wife Barbara. They have five children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grand children, all of whom Mayor and Mrs. Baldwin love dearly.

Mr. Speaker, I am deeply proud to have been given this opportunity to recognize the Schertz mayor, Hal Baldwin, for his dedicated public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the many contributions of Judge Diana Bautista.

Judge Bautista works day after day for the betterment of the 40,000 members of Atascosa County in Texas. It is because of people like her that the legislation we do on this very floor is able to run the country so efficiently. Through her post as Judge of Atascosa County, Diana Bautista works for the betterment of the people in the community that she so vigorously serves.

Judge Bautista's service did not begin with her current position as a county judge; she has held other public service positions in law enforcement. She has been an official of the Pleasanton Police Department and the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office where she ensured the safety of the general public. It was during her tenure with public service offices such as these that she gained the necessary experience to understand what the people of Atascosa County need.

In 2002, she was elected to her post as the Atascosa County Judge, and has served there ever since. Judge Bautista always puts the people of Atascosa County first in whatever she does. She serves on numerous committees throughout the area to make sure her constituents are getting all the necessary tools from the local government they need.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions of Atascosa County Judge Diana Bautista.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Constable Robert Blount in my congressional district, for his exceptional career in law enforcement.

Robert Blount was elected as Constable of Precinct Four in January 2005, but has been actively serving his community for the last sixteen years. He believes in establishing a solid law enforcement agency that is committed to the needs of the community, and has devoted his department to serve the public through honesty and integrity .

Constable Blount is an excellent example of an elected official who understands the needs of his community. The mission for his department is to promote safety in the community by enforcing court orders, supporting early intervention activities, and to work together with neighboring law enforcement agencies.

Constable Blount is a man who believes in the value of community involvement and intervention. Currently he is focusing his department on lowering truancy levels and high school dropout rates, reducing neighborhood crime, and maintaining clear communication within the people in his community.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Bexar County Constable Robert ``Mike'' Blount for his dedication and service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many accomplishments of Hays County Commissioner Susie Carter.

Susie Carter is a proud lifelong citizen of Hays County. She and her husband, John, live on the same farm where Susie grew up. She earned degrees from Southwest Texas State University and the University of Texas at Austin, and returned to rural Hays County to serve her neighbors.

Susie has served Hays County in a variety of capacities: as a health professional, college instructor, character education consultant, and public servant. She was elected President of the Concerned Taxpayers of Hays County, and remains an advocate for taxpayer rights and fiscal responsibility.

As county commissioner, Susie has consistently worked to make Hays County a better place to live. She led the reconstruction of some of the county's worst roads, installed traffic signals to make intersections safer, passed resolutions to protect the local environment and water supply, and fought against illegal dumping. She has been an advocate for low taxes and budget discipline, and a watchdog for the rights of taxpaying citizens and local government. Susie Carter has been a farsighted and effective advocate for her county.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this opportunity to recognize the many achievements of Hays County Commissioner Susie Carter.