Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell the Congress about a man who works constantly to ensure the people of Webb County Texas get the services they need from the local government. Judge Louis Bruni is and always has been committed to working for others; he is the ideal public servant.

The sixth-generation Laredoan has held multiple positions of service to the community from his first position in 1994 as a Laredo City Councilman up to his current position as the Webb County Judge. Every post Judge Louis Bruni has occupied he has pumped out results to the people he so faithfully serves. As Laredo City Councilman he played an influential role in securing funding for roads and recreational areas within his district and also was a driving force behind the construction of the city library.

In 2001 he was elected to serve as the Webb County Judge. It can be seen in this position that he currently holds how dear to his heart the people of Webb County are. He has efficiently allocated the resources of Webb County to better serve the populace in a countless number of ways. Take for instance his environmentally conscious idea of turning all carbon-based waste materials into electric power creating an extra energy source sufficient enough to power 800 additional houses. Not only is he a crusader for the proper usage of the environment, he also wants to ensure all his fellow members of Webb County get the first- class economy they deserve. His life in the public sphere should be a model for people who want to give all they can to their communities.

Mr. Speaker, Judge Bruni is not alone a public servant but also a father of two amazing children Fredick and Allison, and I am proud to that him for everything he had done for our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedication of Harlandale Independent School District Board Member Joseph J. Cerna, of my Congressional District for a lifetime of distinguished public service.

Mr. Cerna is a San Antonio native and a graduate of Harlandale High School. He received a Bachelor's of Science Degree at Mississippi State University. Currently he is serving his community as an educator, contributing much of his time and efforts to educational matters.

Joshua Cerna was elected to District 1 Board of Trustees in 2002, and through his years of service he has held the position of the Board's Vice President, Secretary, and currently he serves as President. His active role in the District has led him to join various committees such as the Building Committee, Finance Committee, and for the past three years he has been the Chairman of the Curriculum Committee.

Mr. Cerna was one of the architects of the Bexar County School Board Coalition, which brings together different School Board leaders to communicate ideas that will lead to a higher level of education for students, parents, and teachers. He also serves as a member of the TASB Legislative Advisory Council, and TASB School Board Advisory network.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to thank Harlandale Independent School District Board President Joshua J. Cerna for all he has done in my community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important achievements of Laredo Police Chief Agustin Dovalina III in Laredo, TX in my Congressional District.

Agustin Dovalina III was named interim police chief for the City of Laredo Police Department in 1996, and was subsequently named as the LPD chief in 1997. He began his law enforcement career with the Laredo Police Department in 1978 as a patrolman and rose through the ranks of Laredo's finest. He has served prior posts as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain.

Under this administration, the police department has evolved into a thriving, highly successful, and professional organization with unprecedented personnel and equipment growth. He currently oversees a multi-million dollar departmental budget and over 500 employees, including over 400 full-time police officers. Recognized nationally, Chief Dovalina is a firm believer and staunch advocate of community- based policing philosophies as evidenced by the continued commitment of the Laredo Police Department to continually enhance its delivery of Community-Oriented Policing Services in our city. Chief Agustin was one of the featured speakers at the 2002 National Community Policing Conference, where the Laredo Police Department was honored for the success of its community-based policing efforts.

Police Chief Dovalina has both a Bachelor and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and is a graduate of the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government's State & Local Executives Program. He is also a graduate of the 178th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. He holds a Master Peace Officer Certification and Police Instructor Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards & Education and, is an active member of the Texas Chapter of FBI NA Associates. He also serves as Regional Representative to the National Criminal Justice Association and is an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the dedication of Laredo Police Chief Agustin Dovalina III.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding contributions of SSG Michael Paul Barrera, and to acknowledge the renaming of Veterans Elementary School as SSG Michael P. Barrera Veterans Elementary.

After enlisting in the Army in December of 1995 at the age of 18, he completed his basic training in Fort Knox, KY. Michael was always passionate about his job and strove to be the best.

His commanding officers recognized him with such commendations and achievement awards as a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

On April 9 of 2003 Michael was sent to Iraq with the 4th Infantry Division from Fort Hood, TX, in support of ``Operation Iraqi Freedom.'' During a routine trip for food as Michael and his crew were returning to camp, an improvised explosive device that had been buried in the sand was set off by remote control as the tank rolled over it. As a result of his injuries, Michael passed away on October 28, 2003, at the age of 26.

Michael joined a long list of family members in service. In light of his outstanding service, he was appointed Sergeant by the young age of 20. He sought to make a career in the Army, aspiring to become an ROTC instructor.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to have this opportunity to recognize the bravery and dedication of SSG Michael Paul Barrera.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Susan Reed for her distinguished career in law, and her many contributions to the justice system in the state of Texas.

Susan Reed was raised in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from Alamo Heights High School. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she received an undergraduate degree in Economics, and completed her JD at the University of Texas Law School in 1974.

Ms. Reed began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for Bexar County in 1974. She served in that position for eight years, and was chief prosecutor in the 144th and 187th District Courts.

Following a successful career in civil practice, Ms. Reed served as Judge of the 144th District Court for 12 years. She was Administrative Judge for the District Courts of Bexar County in 1996 and 1997, and spearheaded the development of the gang unit within the Adult Probation Department, which she counts as one of her proudest accomplishments. Her work on this project resulted in her being awarded the Judge of the Year Award by the Texas Gang Investigators Association.

Since 1998, Susan Reed has served the people of Bexar County as District Attorney. She is a member of the National Advisory Council on Violence Against Women, and a member of the Regional Anti-Terrorism Task Force. She has been a tireless advocate for victims of crime, and a powerful force for making our communities and our State safer.

Mr. Speaker, the people of Bexar County have benefited greatly from Susan Reed, and I am proud to have the opportunity to thank her today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wilson County Judge Marvin Quinney for a lifetime of dedicated public service.

A native Texan, Marvin Quinney grew up in Wilson County. In 1968 he worked with the Texas Department of Safety. Mr. Quinney served his community as a DPS state trooper in Wilson County for 27 years. He also served his country as a Military Police Officer in Vietnam and in the United States.

Providing a valuable service to our courts, Marvin Quinney has spent years as a Court Security Officer at the John Wood Federal Courthouse in San Antonio. He also belongs to numerous trooper organizations and participates in multiple safety projects for the citizens residing in his county.

Marvin Quinney currently serves as the County Judge of Wilson County, and currently serves as the presiding officer of the Wilson County Commissioners Court. He has been instrumental in the growth and infrastructure development of Wilson County, and serves the office with honor and distinction.

Mr. Speaker, Wilson County Judge Marvin Quinney is a credit to his community and a tremendous resource to his country. His concern for the people and his willingness to work hard has enabled him to accomplish great things and help serve the people of his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important achievements of Judge Elma T. Salinas Ender in Laredo, Texas of my Congressional District.

Appointed as Judge of the 341st District Court by Governor Mark White, Judge Elma T. Salinas Ender became the first Mexican-American woman appointed and elected to a district court bench in state and U.S. history. Her knowledge and commitment that she has brought to the bench has made her an inspiration too many.

Professional activities include: member of the Governor's Juvenile Standards Task Force; the Funding/Judiciary branch of Government in Texas; State Bar of Texas; and has served on the Texas Bar Association council for ``Women in Law.'' Judge Salinas Ender is involved in numerous civic and community activities, i.e. Laredo 1010 Youth Task Force; Communities in Schools; and Leadership Laredo.

She holds a Juris Doctor degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. Judge Salinas Ender is a fine example to women in our community, demonstrating what hard word and dedication can accomplish.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions of Judge Elma T. Salinas Ender.

Mr. Speaker, in the ongoing debate on Social Security, I think it is essential that we take the time to put a face on the people served by and protected by Social Security.

All of the numbers and charts help us make the outline of the arguments, but it is the letters that I receive from my constituents that show the real face of Social Security. I would like to take the time to show one of those letters, one of the 400-plus letters I have received.

A gentleman named Hector MacDonald from Laredo, Texas. It says,

``Dear Congressman Cuellar, As a member of the National Committee to preserve Social Security and Medicare, I am writing to urge you please oppose any legislation or plan that would divert dedicated Social Security payroll taxes into private individual accounts or in any way harm the benefits, structure or traditional role of Social Security.

As you know, President Roosevelt and Congress created Social Security in 1935 to protect retired Americans from experiencing a poverty ridden old age. And America's more than 35 million seniors have invested their hard earned money into Social Security during their long working lives. Social Security represents a covenant between government and its citizens. I therefore stand against the administration's policy and plans to reform Social Security through partial privatization or any other plan that would undermine the promise of the program's full guaranteed lifetime benefits.

One of my top priorities as a citizen and a voter is the protection of Social Security benefits for all current and future retirees. I sincerely hope among your top priorities as an elected official that you will also help defeat the privatization and other proposals that threatened our retirement security.

I urge you to work closely with the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and protect the benefits we have worked for, paid for and have earned. Very sincerely, Mr. Hector MacDonald'' from Laredo, Texas.

Again, I have received many letters like this, and I think this letter, Mr. Speaker, speaks for itself. I received over 400 letters like this one opposing the privatization of Social Security.

I have taken the time to read these letters, and I have taken a great deal of time to carefully review the proposal and listen to all sides of the debate; and after a thorough analysis I have come to see clearly that this proposal to privatize Social Security does not pass my legislative test. That is, it will not make our families stronger.

The current proposal to privatize Social Security jeopardizes our safety net by pulling the security out of Social Security. It takes our guaranteed benefits and gambles them on a stock market. It threatens to pose benefit cuts, raising the retirement age. And finally it assures adding a tremendous sum to our existing $7 trillion debt.

Social Security has always been the one source free from risk and designed to reserve as a bedrock guarantee for our seniors.

The system was created and has served for generations as social insurance, not social investment; and we owe it to ourselves and our children, especially our seniors, to preserve that bedrock guarantee.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of San Marcos City Councilman John Thomaides, of my Congressional District.

In 2003 John Thomaides was elected to San Marcos City Council. Mr. Thomaides was chosen to represent the Council on the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors. He has been active in city affairs since he came to San Marcos ten years ago. John has served on the City's Drainage Advisory Board, the Citizen Review Commission, and as chair to the Transportation Advisory Board.

After arriving in San Marcos John opened Alpha Pure Water Company, and has quickly become a leader in business and community organizations. In January 2003 the Area Chamber of Commerce awarded him ``Small Business Person of the Quarter'' and in October 2003 he was honored again with ``Small Business Person of the Year.''

John Thomaides has consistently worked to improve the quality of life for his constituents, and is a 2003 graduate of the Leadership Academy of Public Service. He has served as president of the San Marcos Tennis Association, and as Ambassador for the Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, John Thomaides serves as an example of what discipline, courage, and dedication can accomplish, and I am proud to have had this opportunity to thank him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of San Marcos City Councilman John A. Diaz, of my Congressional District.

John Diaz is lifelong resident of San Marcos and has been an active participant in the community throughout his lifetime. He is a proud graduate of San Marcos High School, and also attended the Austin School of Fine Arts. He is an inspiring businessman, and is the self-employed owner of Sign-Arts.

Mr. Diaz works constantly to ensure the people of San Marcos, Texas get the services they need from the local government. John is a board member of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce and San Marcos Hispanic Chamber Board of Directors.

John has served on the City Planning and Zoning Commission, the Central Texas Higher Education Authority, and the San Marcos School Board. He has been a constant fixture of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). Throughout his years with the organization he has served as President, State Secretary, and District Director.

Mr. Speaker, Councilman John A. Diaz understands the concerns of the citizens, small businesses and everything else that is the great city of San Marcos. It is because of this connection with the populace and his long standing record of public service that I am proud to let the people know of the commitment of John Diaz to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of San Marcos City Councilman Gaylord Bose, of my Congressional District.

Gaylord Bose was born near Avoca, Nebraska near Cass County, and graduated in 1957 from Avoca High School. In 1958 he enrolled at the University of Nebraska, and in 1960 he began his own business.

Mr. Bose was involved in many community activities in their hometown, he served on the school board, as a member of the Weeping Water co-op Association, Secretary of the Volunteer Fire Department, president of the local sports program for young people, a 4-H club leader, church council, Sunday school teacher, and member of the Cass County 4-H Board.

In 1982 Gaylord and his family moved to Waller, Texas to work for Star of Hope Rescue Mission, a substance abuse rehabilitation program. Wanting to expand his ability to help others, he enrolled at the University of Houston and studied chemical abuse counseling program. He later earned a license as a chemical dependency counselor. In 1989 he was offered a job with the Wackenhut Corporation and became the Center Director of the Kyle facility.

After Gaylord Bose moved to San Marcos he became an active member Greater Castle Forest Neighborhood Association, and he was appointed by the San Marcos City Council to the Transportation Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize Gaylord Bose for his dedication and contributions in the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished public service of Commissioner Weldon P. Cude.

A seventh generation Atascosa resident, Mr. Cude started his career as a Texas water well driller in 1984. In 1988 he became Pleasanton's ``Young Citizen of the Year,'' and later became the youngest person elected as an Atascosa County Commissioner.

Commissioner Weldon P. Cude is no stranger to the needs of his community. In 1996, he was elected Pleasanton's ``Business Person of the Year,'' and has served as Director of ``The County Bank,'' the ``Atascosa County Economic Development Corporation,'' and the ``Atascosa County Appraisal Board.''

Since 1983 Mr. Cude has served as a pillar of the business community. As an independent business person, he has contributed as President of both Premium Well Drilling Incorporated and the Fat Cowboys Steakhouse. He has also served his community as Vice President for Goldwell Investments Incorporated. Employing over 150 employees, he understands the values of hard work and dedication.

Commissioner Weldon P. Cude lives in Atascosa with his wife Gayla Cude, and his five daughters: Aubry, Stephanie, Jennie, Lindsey, and Jessica.

It is a pleasure to recognize the accomplishments of Commissioner Cude, his dedication to the community has helped to make Atascosa a better place to live and work.

Mr. Speaker, County Commissioner Weldon P. Cude is an exemplary public servant. I am proud to have the chance to thank him here today for all he has done for his fellow Texans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Atascosa County Commissioner Freddie Ogden for his dedicated service to the people of Texas.

Mr. Ogden was born in Poteet, TX, in 1950. He attended Poteet High School, and began his career in public service soon after, working for Atascosa County Precinct 2 as a motor grader operator. Beginning in 1975, he worked for the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office, and in 1976, he graduated from the Alamo Area Law Enforcement Academy and became Police Chief for the city of Poteet.

While continuing his career as a law enforcement officer, Freddie Ogden also married Danna Roby, moved to Charlotte, TX, and raised two sons, one of whom has continued the family tradition of law enforcement as a corrections officer. Mr. Ogden began working for the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office in 1978, and was promoted to Assistant Chief Deputy and Chief Deputy Sheriff in 1982 and 1984. He was recognized for his extraordinary service, winning Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 1985.

Mr. Ogden was rewarded for his service with an appointment as County Commissioner of Atascosa Precinct 3, a post which he still holds. He further contributes to the public good through his work as a volunteer deputy for the Atascosa County Sheriff.

Mr. Speaker, Freddie Ogden remains a tireless public servant, and I applaud his energy, competence, and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Atascosa County Commissioner David Caballero for undertaking a lifetime of distinguished public service.

Commissioner Caballero has followed in the footsteps of his father, who was once a long-serving Atascosa Constable, in seeking an elected position of leadership. After serving his first term, his tireless devotion to ensuring that Atascosa County continues to develop economically, creating more jobs for the constituents he serves, led him to pursue and win term of service as County Commissioner.

Most importantly, Commissioner Caballero has continued to hold the values of community, faith and family in the highest regard. Nothing exemplifies this more than his committed participation with the Pleasanton Little League, St. Andrews Catholic Church of Pleasanton, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church of Leming, and the Verdi Community Center.

He has spearheaded and now hosts an Annual Easter Egg Hunt that serves as an excellent opportunity to draw the entire community of families together in his precinct. Commissioner Caballero most deserves recognition for choosing to be an agent for real change, focusing on making government smarter and serving his constituency while saving his County money.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand in recognition of the dedication of Atascosa County Commissioner David Caballero.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedication of Harlandale Independent School District Board Member Gracie Acuna of my Congressional District.

Gracie Acuna was first elected as Board Member of District four in 1987, and currently serves as Vice President. During her time on the Board she has served in a variety of capacities including President, Vice President, and Secretary.

Gracie holds the honor of being the first Hispanic woman to serve as President of the Board, which she held for four terms. She has assisted the Board further by serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee and Curriculum Committee.

Ms. Acuna is actively involved in organizations that affect our community. She has served as President of the Bexar County Federation of School Boards, San Antonio Federation of School Boards, San Antonio Transit Board Member, President of the Harlandale Lions Club, TASB Legislative Advisory Council, and a Life Member of State PTA.

Gracie Acuna is grateful for being elected and feels honored by the confidence the voters have demonstrated in her. She has two sons with her husband Willie, and attends San Jose Mission Church.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to recognize the dedication of Gracie A. Acuna to Harlandale Independent School District.