Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many accomplishments of San Antonio City Councilman Joel Williams.

Mr. Williams has served both his city and his nation with distinction. A native Texan, Mr. Williams served in the United States Army Reserve for more than 25 years, rising to the position of Chief of the AMEDD Battle Simulation Center at Fort Sam Houston.

He has also been a leader in civil service and volunteer work. He was a member of the boards of Habitat for Humanity, the San Antonio Credit Union, and the East Central Independent School District. He worked on the Fund Distribution Panel of the United Way of San Antonio, and was a member of the Texas Association of School Boards.

He has consistently worked to improve the quality of education our children receive, and to safeguard the financial health of our community. He continues that work now, as City Councilman for San Antonio Council District 2. Joel Williams serves as an example of what discipline, courage, and dedication can accomplish.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to recognize the contributions of San Antonio Councilman Joel Williams.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of San Antonio City Councilman Roger Flores.

Roger Flores is a San Antonio native, from a small business family with a tradition of public service.

He graduated from Central Catholic High School, and received his Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Fighting Aggie Band.

After college, Roger returned to San Antonio to join his family's restaurant business. He managed and operated two restaurants, and also found time to serve his community as the Vice President of the St. Anthony Elementary School Board, and as a member of the board of Positive Beginnings, Inc.

On May 27 of 2004, Roger was elected to the Council seat that his father had held four years before. Roger credits his family as an inspiration for his public service, and believes deeply in the role of the community in supporting and encouraging strong families.

Mr. Speaker, Roger Flores is the kind of citizen who holds our communities together: a successful small businessman, a dedicated father, and a selfless volunteer and public servant. I thank him for his commitment, and congratulate him on his election to the San Antonio City Council.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize San Antonio City Councilman Carroll Schubert for his outstanding work, both in the legal community and on behalf of the people of San Antonio.

Mr. Schubert is a graduate of Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas School of Law, and a specialist in both civil litigation and regulatory and public affairs. His long history of public service includes time as Commissioner for the Bexar County Civil Service Commission, on the Board of Directors of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association, and as Chief Deputy District Attorney for Bexar County.

Mr. Schubert has given his time to a variety of organizations which work for the public good. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Wildlife Association, has been Chairman of the Board of Professional Contract Services, Inc., a state and federal government contractor which provides jobs for people with disabilities.

From 1975 through 1978, Carroll was Executive Assistant to United States Senator Lloyd Bentsen. He was first elected to the San Antonio City Council on May 5, 2001, and was re-elected in 2003. He has worked as city councilman to improve city planning and the city's quality of life, and was the council's liaison to many of the San Antonio region's military bases and units.

Mr. Speaker, his career as a lawyer and a public servant has done credit to the city of San Antonio, and I am proud to have the opportunity to congratulate him here.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize San Antonio City Councilman Art Hall for his service to the people of San Antonio District 8.

Mr. Hall was born in Hempstead, TX, and grew up in Lubbock. He attended Harvard University, and received a joint law degree/MBA from Texas Tech Law and Business Schools. He is an expert in finance and corporate law, and received the Pforzheimer Foundation Scholar Award at Harvard and the Clifford Chance Business Law Prize from the University of Wales.

Art Hall is a central part of the Texas legal community. He has been published in several law and international finance journals, including St. Mary's University Law Review on Minority Issues and the Journal of International Financial Markets. In 1998, he was hired to serve as the director of the Academic Excellence Program as an Adjunct Professor at St. Mary's Law School. He was also general counsel for the investment banking firm Southwestern Capital Markets, the nation's oldest Hispanic-owned investment banking firm. Today, Councilman Hall is an owner and the President of Presidio Asset Management.

Art Hall was elected to San Antonio's City Council in 2003. He is the youngest person ever to represent his district, and has the distinction of being the first African American elected outside of the city's East side. He has been named one of the city's ``Top 40 Under 40'' rising stars by the San Antonio Business Journal.

Mr. Speaker, Councilman Art Hall has an extraordinarily bright future ahead of him, and I am happy to have the chance to recognize him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize San Antonio Councilman Christopher ``Chip'' Haass for his dedication to public service in my community.

Councilman Haass attended Saint Mary's High School in San Antonio, after completing high school he enrolled at Texas Christian University and received a degree in Political Science and History, then received a master's in Education. After graduation he returned to Saint Mary's as a government teacher, he is the first male alumni to do so.

At age 25 he decided to enter the political arena, and in 2003 he was elected and became the youngest Councilman ever elected in San Antonio's history. He credits his energetic personality, and idealism that led the people of his community to call for reform.

Councilman Haass has distinguished himself during his term by improving the basic infrastructure of District 10. Soon after he entered office he passed bonds that secured monetary assets to parks and schools in the community.

He sees his future in public service, either as an elected official, working with non-profit organizations, or as an educator. He enjoys bringing people together as a community, and debating the issues. Councilman Haass has the ability to motivate others through his vision, and create a consensus.

Mr. Speaker, Councilman Chip Haass has been an inspiring public servant, first as an educator, second as a politician, and lastly as a friend of San Antonio. I am honored to have had this opportunity to recognize his dedication and hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize San Antonio City Councilman Julian Castro for his distinguished career in public service, and his deep commitment to the people of San Antonio.

Julian Castro and his twin brother Joaquin were born on September 16, 1974, and grew up on San Antonio's west side. For all but one year of his education, Julian attended San Antonio public schools. Upon his graduation from high school, he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he attended Stanford University. He graduated with a double major in Political Science and Communication in 1996, graduating with honors and distinction.

After college, Julian returned home to San Antonio, and took a position as a permanent substitute teacher at his alma mater, Jefferson High School. He also began his career in public service by working with the City's Special Projects Office on housing and economic development issues.

Julian ran for City Council in 2000, and won a seat representing District 7. He ran on a platform of economic development and revitalization for the city, and committed himself to these projects once in office. He worked to improve the community by cleaning up blighted neighborhoods, and was a leading voice for government ethics reform and public safety.

Julian Castro was 26 at the time of his election to the City Council, making him the youngest elected city councilman in San Antonio history. He is just beginning on a promising career, and I know that he will be a major force for good in Texas politics for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have the chance to thank him here for the work he has done thus far, and to wish him well as he continues to serve the people of San Antonio.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize San Antonio Councilman Enrique M. Barrera for a lifetime of distinguished public service.

Enrique Barrera began his professional career as an educator with the San Felipe School District in Del Rio Texas. His strong passion and dedication to serve the community lead him to move to San Antonio to serve as a counselor, social worker and administrator.

He later worked as an Employee Department Specialist with the United States Office of Personnel Management and then later as a Chief of Civilian Personnel Training at Randolph Air Force Base.

He continued with his professional career at the State Level and served with the Texas Department of Community Affairs, the Texas Department of Commerce and the Texas workforce commission.

In 2001 he decided to make a run for San Antonio City Council, and in May he was elected to District 6. In May 2003, he was re-elected to his second term, and has since brought integrity to the seat.

Mr. Speaker, an Antonio Councilman Enrique Barrera is a credit to his community and a tremendous resource to his county, and I am glad I had this opportunity to thank him for his work and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Patti Radle.

Patti Radle has lived a life of enormous service to her community. Since arriving in San Antonio in 1969, Ms. Radle has been at the center of volunteer project after volunteer project, working on issues ranging from urban development to education to civil rights.

For thirty years, she and her husband, Rod, have served as volunteer co-directors of the non-profit group Inner City Development, which provides emergency services for families in crisis, and educational opportunities for children and teens.

She served on the founding board of the first chapter of Habitat for Humanity in the United States, Habitat for Humanity San Antonio. She advanced the cause of civil rights in our state by organizing Martin Luther King memorial marches, and serving on the National Council of the Fellowship of Reconciliation.

She worked for nine years as an elementary school teacher, and helped to make our public schools safer and stronger by founding school conflict resolution programs throughout the San Antonio area.

Mr. Speaker, Patti Radle has enriched our community with her creativity, her energy, and her vision for over 35 years. She continues to work to build a better future for San Antonio as City Councilwoman for San Antonio Council District 5. I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize her here, and to thank her for her many contributions to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate Richard Perez for his commitment to serving his fellow citizens of San Antonio, Texas.

Richard Perez is the representative for San Antonio's City Council 4th District. He was raised by his parents in the exact district that he represents today, so it goes without saying that he is familiar with the area and its needs.

But his life of service to the community does not begin with his current role as a city council member; he has held various positions in city planning in such cities as Laredo and Austin that experienced tremendous city growth during his service. He has also worked at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as the Special Assistant to the Deputy

Secretary for three years, thus giving him a thorough understanding of the federal governments workings in communities like that which he represents now.

In 2001 Councilman Perez returned to his childhood home of San Antonio to assist in managing his families' small business Fairway Landscape and Nursery Inc. It is through this position that he observes the challenges and obstacles facing small businesses of San Antonio.

Mr. Speaker, Councilman Richard Perez understands the concerns of the citizens, small businesses and everything else that is the great city of San Antonio. 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 Richard Perez to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Webb County Sheriff Rick Flores for a lifetime of dedication to law enforcement.

Rick Flores is an excellent example of a Sheriff who understands the needs of his community. Sheriff Flores spent six years working for the District Attorney's Domestic Violence Unit. A dedicated public servant, Mr. Flores has experience in providing crisis intervention and counseling for local families.

Sheriff Flores is a man who believes in the value of community involvement and intervention. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Webb County Domestic Violence Coalition's ``Breaking the Cycle'' Award and his induction into the National Future Leaders Hall of Fame by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

Sheriff Flores believes that an informed public is better equipped for preventing crime in our streets and neighborhoods. He has organized numerous events and workshops helping to educate Webb County citizens on pressing issues such as drug abuse, sexual assault and teen violence. Rick Flores is an example of proactive law enforcement in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the achievements of Webb County Sheriff Rick Flores.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding contributions of Bexar County Commissioner of Precinct 4 Tommy Adkisson.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas Commissioner Adkisson earned his law degree, and returned to San Antonio to practice civil law. Commissioner Adkisson's hard work did not go unnoticed; he was named one of the ``Top Ten'' Legislators by the family law section of the Texas State Bar.

In 1981, he began his political career when he was elected as State Representative of District 57, and he won the District 119 seat in 1985. His career excelled even furthered when he was elected Bexar County Commissioner in 1998.

As County Commissioner he has brought great value to his District, most notably bringing the SBC Center to Precinct 4. He is known for working well with the citizens of the community. While working with the community of Kirby and Gardendale he was able to purchase needed equipment and provide meal assistance for the elderly. He also worked with the citizens of Converse to create the 1st Emergency Service District in Bexar County. Along with his many accomplishments as a public servant, he is also a dedicated husband to his wife Karen.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to recognize the many contributions of Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Richard Berler of Laredo, TX.

Better known as ``Heatwave'', Mr. Berler is the chief meteorologist at KGNS-TV in Laredo, TX. This past Monday, February 14th, Berler, 51, celebrated 25 years of reporting and predicting the weather at the station.

Having started at a time when weather forecasts were not considered a serious part of the News, Berler has taken his job to a higher level and positively affected the local community.

Originally from Westport, Connecticut, Berler was first attracted to Laredo for its unique climate. Having always studied climate patterns for a hobby, Berler found it fascinating when he learnt about Laredo hitting 100 degrees as early as the month of February. Laredo is unique for its semiarid and subtropical climate, and it occasionally gets hot dry air from the Mexican Plateau.

After attending college at Florida State University and then working for a small station in Minnesota, Berler found an opening at KGNS in Laredo and jumped at the opportunity. Almost immediately after working, Berler became a meteorologist, taking his own atmospheric readings before every newscast to improve the accuracy of his predictions. He quickly acquired the name ``Heatwave'' for his enthusiasm and commitment to the weather news. In his 25 years, he has witnessed and reported record highs of 103 deg.F in February, 105 deg.F in March, and 110 deg.F in April.

Mr. Speaker, Heatwave has become an icon as far as the weather is concerned and people look up to him in the community. I thank him for his contributions, and congratulate him on his 25th anniversary at

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions made to the 28th district by Bexar County Commissioner Lyle Larsen.

Commissioner Larsen's career has been highlighted by numerous political appointments beginning in 1991 when he was elected to the San Antonio City Council, and held this position until 1995. In 1996 he was elected by the constituents of Bexar County Precinct 3 to the seat of County Commissioner, which he holds to this day. In 2000 he was appointed by then Governor George W. Bush to the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission.

Bexar County Commissioner Lyle Larsen has fiercely worked with fellow county officials to improve the operation of Bexar County, by monitoring the procedures of department heads. As a member of the Commissioners Court he faces the demanding job of overseeing budgetary, tax, and revenue decisions for positions that are not regulated by elected officials.

It requires an immense knowledge of County Government to be able to govern such a vast territory, and Commissioner Larsen has demonstrated that he can quite eloquently oversee and govern Bexar County.

Commissioner Larsen has not only worked as a diligent officer for Bexar County residents, but has also made notable contributions during his time in public office, especially his work in criminal and juvenile area.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to recognize the dedication and hard work of Bexar County Commissioner Lyle Larsen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a citizen of the 28th District of Texas, Salvador A. Mercado, and his 28 years of service to the Department of Transportation.

In 1972 Salvador began his career with the Department of Transportation in Laredo, Texas. He then decided to further his education by attending the University of Texas at Austin, earning a degree in civil engineering. After he received his degree, he was able to move up at the Department of Transportation, and eventually became deputy district engineer.

During his time at the Transportation Department Salvador was able to apply his attention to detail to help establish Transportation Gateway, one of the 18t urban centers of its kind.

His professional demeanor assisted him as he made the critical decision of recruiting 20 engineering assistants for the district.

District safety has always been a main concern of Salvador's, and he has established different programs such as ``EI Protector,'' Spring Break rest stops, South Texas Fiber Optics Loop System, a Haz-Mat Task Force, traffic safety booths at local festivals, and the initiation of Construction Career Days to aid the community.

Salvador's willingness to work has not been overlooked by his peers; in 1996 he received the Gilchrist Award which honors outstanding achievement in Highway Engineering. This award is so prestigious that Salvador is only the second Hispanic engineer to ever be presented with this award.

Upon retirement Salvador will begin working in the private sector and I'm convinced will play an imperative role in whatever venture he decides to pursue.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to recognize the many contributions of Salvador A. Mercado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an incredible citizen of the 28th district of Texas. Ben Moyer of Seguin, Texas demonstrated exceptional courage when he saved a man's life last June.

Ben Moyer a senior at Seguin High School in Seguin, TX, has been swimming for most of his life. Last summer while he was working at the local water park Schlitterbahn of Texas, Ben jumped into a dangerous section of the Comal River and pulled a man to safety.

Ben did not even notice the injury he had sustained when his foot was caught in some rocks; he simply pulled it free and continued with his mission. It was not until after he pulled the man to safety that he realized that he had broken his own leg in this heroic deed.

Ben was aware of the dangers that would come with being a deep water lifeguard, but credited his Boy Scout life guarding classes and Schlitterbahn training classes with enabling him with the skills necessary for this rescue.

This notable act of courage demonstrates Ben's desire to help others, which will come in handy for Ben's aspirations to enter the Naval Academy in Annapolis after graduation. And to eventually reach his goal of flying helicopters.

Mr. Speaker, I am glad I had this opportunity to recognize the act of bravery and determination of Ben Moyer.