Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary work of Eddie Aguilar of Seguin, Texas for his dedication and commitment to community service. Eddie Aguilar has made the people of my Congressional district proud, by tirelessly dedicating his time to many non-profit organizations.

Mr. Aguilar is a self-proclaimed ``full-time volunteer,'' since his retirement from military service. He has been an active volunteer with the Salvation Army, The Cranny, and the Guadalupe Family Violence Shelter. The life lessons that Eddie gained while he served two years in the United States Army, and fifteen years as a U.S. Marine have aided him when he volunteered his help during times of disaster; such as floods and fires that have affected his community.

Eddie also holds the position as disaster relief coordinator with the Salvation Army, and he formally served as a board member of the Guadalupe Family Violence Shelter and The Cranny. His work with the women's shelter and various children's groups has not gone overlooked.

Mr. Aguilar was honored by the Seguin community when Councilwoman Jo Anne Sutherland nominated him for the 2004 Time Warner Hometown hero award, many of his family and friends were in attendance when he accepted this award during a banquet in San Antonio, Texas. Honorees of this award are considered to be among the best of the community, and it is an opportunity to honor the area's un-sung heroes.

Aguilar takes no credit for his work, and praises his 78-year-old mother as being his constant inspiration. He recognizes his mother with instilling in him the belief of making a difference in someone's life and to think of others well-being ahead of his own.

I believe Mr. Aguilar has the qualities that make up a great citizen of Seguin. He demonstrates great dedication to community service, and I am further impressed by the little credit he wishes to receive for his work.

Mr. Speaker, I'm proud I have had this opportunity to recognize the noble service of Eddie Aguilar.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Bexar County Commissioner Paul Elizondo for a lifetime of distinguished public service.

Paul Elizondo began public life as a music teacher in the Edgewood and San Antonio public school districts. He was a member of a wide variety of professional organizations, including the National Education Association, the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, and the Music Educators National Conference.

He was first elected to the State House of Representatives in 1978, and served for four years, working on the Public Education, State Affairs, and Constitutional Amendments committees. In 1983, he made the transition to county service. He was elected Commissioner for Precinct 2, and has been serving San Antonio as a Bexar County Commissioner for over 20 years.

He has been involved in a wide variety of community organizations, including the Center for Health Care Services, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Private Industry Council, and the National Council of Community Mental Health centers. An energetic public servant, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and a beloved teacher he is an inspiration to the community.

Mr. Speaker, Bexar County Commissioner Paul Elizondo is a credit to his community and a tremendous resource to his county.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished public service of San Antonio Mayor Ed Garza.

A native of San Antonio, Garza is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, and still lives in the same historic Woodlawn Lake neighborhood where he grew up. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture. He has retained his connection with Texas' colleges, serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio and at St. Mary's University.

Mr. Garza has had a tremendously productive career in public service. He served two terms as District 7 Representative on the San Antonio City Council, where he focused on economic, urban, and human development. He was elected Mayor of San Antonio, and re-elected in 2003.

Following the attacks of September 11, Mayor Garza collaborated with other local elected officials to create one of the nation's first comprehensive city-county antiterrorism plans, leading CNN to recognize San Antonio as the second most prepared city in the country, after New York. He has worked to ensure that San Antonio remains a defense leader, and to constantly reform city government to make it more efficient and responsive.

Mayor Garza has volunteered his time to advocate for health and fitness in San Antonio. He has helped raise awareness for organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and the Cystic Fibrosis foundation, and has raised money for the Cancer Therapy and Research Center and the San Antonio Children's Shelter.

Mr. Speaker, Ed Garza is an exemplary public servant. His work has made San Antonio safer, healthier, more efficient and more prosperous. 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 Sylvia S. Romo for her extraordinary accomplishments in business and her exemplary record of public service.

Sylvia Romo was the first woman to be elected to the Office of the Tax Assessor-Collector of Bexar County. She is the first Latina elected to any countywide executive post. Her commitment, expertise, and innovation resulted in a better and more responsive tax system for her constituents.

Sylvia Romo distinguished herself during two terms in the Texas House of Representatives. She was the first freshman member of the body to pass a major constitutional amendment, and one of only three women ever to serve on the prestigious Ways and Means Committee. She authored more than 92 bills, and worked tirelessly to promote business growth and to protect the interests of women and disadvantaged businesses.

Ms. Romo is an inspiring business leader in her community. A graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, she worked for more than 20 years as a certified public accountant. She is now the President of her own accounting firm, Sylvia Romo and Associates, Ltd, which has been recognized for excellence by state and local business organizations.

She served as an advisor to the President's Advisory Committee on Women's Business Ownership, and was named one of the Top Women of the Decade in the United States by the Business and Professional Women's Foundation of New York City.

Mr. Speaker, a lifelong San Antonio resident and mother of four sons, Ms. Romo is truly one of the outstanding members of her community. She has been a great friend to the people of San Antonio, and a shining example of what one woman's intelligence, generosity, and dedication can accomplish.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished public service of Laredo Independent School Board President Dennis Cantu.

Dr. Cantu grew up in Texas, graduating from J. W. Nixon High School. He majored in Biology at Baylor University in Waco, and received his Doctorate in Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston at the age of 23. He specialized in internal medicine, and is currently a Board Certified Internist who practices at Laredo Medical Center and Doctor's Hospital.

Dr. Cantu continues to serve the community as Medical Director of the Laredo Fire Department Paramedics. He was recently honored for his enormous contribution to the health and safety of Laredo when one of the Laredo schools was renamed the Dr. Dennis D. Cantu Health Science Magnet School in his honor.

Dennis Cantu is now serving his fifth term as President of the Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees. He has been a trustee for 15 years, and has previously held the posts of Secretary and Vice President. Dennis Cantu is an invaluable resource for Laredo, Texas, and a tireless advocate for the health and education of his fellow citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize Laredo Independence School District Board President Dennis Cantu, and to thank him for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important of contributions of Laredo Independent School District Superintendent Sylvia Bruni.

Ms. Bruni graduated from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in English, Spanish, and Education. She became a high school English teacher, and taught at the United Independent School District for 17 years.

In addition to providing an education for others, Sylvia Bruni has served as an example herself of the importance of continuing education throughout life. While teaching at the United lSD, she received her Master of Science in Education from Laredo State University. She also completed programs certifying her as a professional reading specialist, professional supervisor, professional mid-management administrator, and superintendent.

Ms. Bruni has held a variety of prestigious posts in Texas education. She was principal at Salinas Elementary School, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the United lSD, as a faculty member at Laredo Community College, and as Director for the Office of Special Programs at Texas A&M International University. She held the post of Director of Research, Planning, and Development before being named Superintendent of the Laredo Independent School District.

These activities, along with her commitment to community volunteerism, have earned Ms. Bruni a variety of awards, including Laredo Community College Top 50 Distinguished Alumni and Laredo Morning Times ``Laredoan of the Year.''

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to add my name to the long list of people who have congratulated Sylvia Bruni on her competent and dedicated service, and her enormous contribution to the state of education in Southwest Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contribution of United Independent School District Board of Trustees President John Bruce in Laredo, TX in my Congressional District.

John Bruce is the President of the U.I.S.D. Board of Trustees. Bruce decided to make a run for elected office because he did not agree with some of the decisions the Board was making. Armed with that motivation, he ran for and was elected to the board in May 2002. ``It's been a challenging and interesting experience,'' Bruce said. ``I've met a lot of fine people.''

John Bruce is the Director of the Laredo Job Corps, an education training facility. As Center Director of Laredo Job Corps, Bruce oversees an organization with an annual budget of $5,500,000. Bruce is also a certified commissioned peace officer and a licensed law enforcement instructor. He is a certified k-9 trainer, a member of the Sheriff's Department SWAT team, and is a former Special Forces Operations officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Bruce ran on the platform of safety in our schools. He initiated the K-9 Patrol Program in UISD to help curtail drug and gang activity at district campuses. Job Corps recently donated two K-9s, which saved the district nearly $12,000.

Bruce has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and history from Texas A & I University in Kingsville. He is also a licensed customs broker. Bruce has held numerous positions in several civic and community organizations. He was a member of the 2001 UISD Blue Ribbon Committee, he was vice president of the United High School Booster Club, and Bruce also serves as an advisor to Explorer Post 437. He is a member of the Laredo Masonic Lodge, the Laredo Shriners, and the Elks Lodge.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize United Independent School District Board President John M. Bruce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of Laredo Independent School District Board Member George M. Beckelhymer, of my Congressional District in Laredo, Texas.

Mr. Beckelhymer graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, earning his bachelor's degree in radio, television, and film. After graduation he decided to venture into the business world, and he became part owner of L. Bufalo Pawn Shop.

In May 2002 he was elected to District 4 of the LISD Board of Trustees, and currently serves as Secretary of the Board. His District includes Sanchez/Ochoa Elementary, Alma Pierce Elementary, K. Tarver Elementary, and J.W. Nixon High School. Mr. Beckelhymer believes in working together with all of the appointed Trustees to create a good working environment between faculty, parents, and children.

Mr. Beckelhymer enjoys working for the community, and is an active member of the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee in the City of Laredo. Beckelhymer hopes to ensure that all students receive the best quality education to prepare them for the future, and he is proud that he is able to help the community move in a positive direction.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had the opportunity to honor Laredo Independent School District Board Member George M. Beckelhymer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contribution of United Independent School District Board Member Juan Roberto Ramirez in Laredo, TX in my Congressional District.

Juan Roberto Ramirez is the Secretary on the United I.S.D. Board of Trustees. Even though Ramirez is the District 6 representative, he says his goal is to serve the District as a whole and give the students the best education programs possible. ``Let's not forget that we work united for what is best for our children,'' Ramirez said.

Ramirez is a retired U.S. Customs Agent. He is a veteran of the Vietnam conflict, serving his country in the U.S. Army. After graduating from high school, Ramirez attended Laredo Community College and earned a degree in Business Administration. He is also a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Academy. Presently, Ramirez works full- time as a Career Advisor for the Laredo Job Corps, is a self-employed businessman, and a notary public. Ramirez served as Vice-Chairman for the Webb County Appraisal District Board of Directors from May of 2002 to July of 2004.

Ramirez is grateful for being elected and he feels honored by the confidence the voters have in him. He promises to work hard for his constituents. ``I have an open door to hear everyone's concerns,'' Ramirez said. ``It's an extraordinary experience to be able to work for the kids in the district, to be part of a team that makes decisions for kids and staff.'' Ramirez says it's a thrill to be part of the Board, ``it's a great honor to work for my District.''

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions of United Independent School District Board Member Juan R. Ramirez.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Laredo Independent School District Board Member Jorge Luis Rodriguez for a lifetime of distinguished public service.

Jose Luis Rodriguez has always been interested in education, and has been a member of the Laredo ISD School Board since May 2000. He is the School Board Trustee for District 2 which oversees Dovalina Elementary school, Macdonell Elementary School and Daiches Elementary School.

LISD Board Member Jorge Luis Rodriguez is a credit and an inspiration to his community and a tremendous resource to his county. He believes in helping the children of his community strive to be the best individuals they can be, by giving them a quality education. He instills in the children the value of hard work and determination, and has been able to implicate many positive changes for students, parents, and LISD faculty.

Rodriguez is grateful for being elected and thanks his constituents by working hard and earning their confidence. He is currently employed in construction management and automotive sales.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this opportunity to recognize the many achievements of Laredo Independent School District Board Member Jorge Luis Rodriguez.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize United Independence School District Superintendent Roberto Santos for his many contributions to education in the City of Laredo.

Roberto Santos has been a longtime advocate for education in the State of Texas. He received his BA from St. Edward's University in Austin, and completed his Masters in Education at the University of Texas--Pan American campus.

Beginning in 1966 as a teacher at Laredo Independent School District, he worked his way up through successive positions in the educational system. He worked as Director of Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, and finally Superintendent of the entire United Independent School District, serving the students of Laredo.

Roberto Santos has also enriched the community through his work as a businessman. He began as an auto salesman in 1975, and has been owner or part owner of two businesses, Santos Auto Sales and Homeland Mobile Homes.

On top of all this, he has given his time and energy to a multitude of volunteer organizations. He served as President of the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators and the Kiwanis Club, and served on the boards of the United Way, Laredo Community College, the Laredo South Girls Little League, and the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation. At each step, Roberto Santos has given of himself to make Laredo stronger, and to ensure a quality education for its children.

Mr. Speaker, United Independent School District Superintendent Robert J. Santos life is a model of community involvement, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to publicly thank him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Laredo Independent School District Parliamentarian Jesus J. Guerra for his honorable service to his country, his state, and his home town of Laredo, Texas.

Jesus Guerra attended Laredo Junior College, Mount View College in Dallas, and the University of Texas at Arlington. He is a lifelong civil servant: he was an employee of the U.S. Postal Service, and rose to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Postmaster for Zapata, Texas before his retirement.

He is also a military veteran; he served in the United States Air Force from 1961 through 1970, and received an honorable discharge.

Jesus Guerra has continued to enrich his community in a variety of ways: he is a member of the City of Laredo Cable commission, a softball coach, and a catechist at St. Vincent and Santo Nino churches. He received the Community Service award from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and was one of the first Hispanics to receive this high honor.

Jesus Guerra continues to reside in Laredo with his wife, Estella, with whom he has six children. He has been a member of the Laredo ISD Board of Trustees since 2001. Jesus Guerra has led a life of exemplary service as a postal worker, a soldier, a volunteer, and an education advocate.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to congratulate him on his accomplishments, and to thank him formally for all he has done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Laredo Independent School District Board Member John Peter Montalvo for a lifetime of distinguished public service.

Mr. Montalvo was elected to the Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees in May 2000. He is a retired employee of the U.S. Postal Service and former City of Laredo council member. He has contributed much of his time and efforts toward social causes.

He has worked with numerous capital improvement projects which included housing rehabilitation, street paving and recreational parks. He also has initiated many health-related programs for low income citizens of his district.

As the school board representative for District 3 he serves the parents and children of Bruni, Tarver, and J.C. Martin Elementary school, but believes in serving the community as a whole to give the children the best opportunities possible. Montalvo is an inspiration to all in his community, through his lifetime service to education and the children of Laredo.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to recognize the dedication of Laredo Independent School District Board Member John Peter Montalvo, and I thank you for this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contribution of United Independent School District Board Member Juan A. Molina, Jr. in Laredo, TX in my Congressional District.

Juan A. Molina, Jr. is the newest member to join the United ISD Board of Trustees. Molina was elected to the district four seat on May 15, 2004. Molina will serve parents and students attending L.B. Johnson H.S., United South H.S., Los Obispos M.S., United South M.S., the new Centeno Elementary, Perez Elementary, Prada Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Ruiz Elementary, and Salinas Elementary.

Molina serves on the school district's Student Expulsion Appeals Committee. UISD also has two board members who represent the district's property value interests on the Webb County Appraisal District's (five- member Board of Directors), Juan A. Molina, Jr. is one of two UISD representatives.

Molina was born, raised, and educated in Laredo. He spent his after school hours working part-time in his family's business. He is a 1988 graduate of Nixon High School. After obtaining a computer programming and business management degree from Computer Business Management Systems, Molina went to work with his father for six years. He eventually purchased the business from his father in 1994. Under his leadership, the business has prospered and has expanded into new fields. Molina is the owner of South Texas Neon Signs.

Molina is married and has three children who attend UISD schools. ``I am involved in my children's education through participation in the school PTC' s and as a Site Based Decision Making Committee member of two schools. I am also a Cub Scout Master because I believe in our kids and want to see a better future for them.'' Molina has gone through special training sessions to provide Laredo Boy Scouts with more camping and outdoor learning opportunities. His new training has allowed him to direct an adventure weekend and assist in another. He helped organize and direct a scout show and ``Spookery'' at Camp Huisache. Molina plays an active role in the Perez Elementary Boy Scout Color Guard. In addition, he was. also a little league assistant coach for two years. He is involved with his church as a choir member, and as an active participant in the annual fund-raising Jamaica.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions of United Independent School District Juan A. Molina, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Comal County Commissioner Jay Millikin.

His patriotism stems from a lifetime of service to both town and country. Jay Millikin served for 24 years in the United States Air Force before becoming a City Councilman, and the eventual Mayor, of the City of Garden Ridge.

Commissioner Jay Millikin's commitment to the community is exemplified through his membership and involvement with countless environmental, transportation, and development councils and committees. His diligent efforts have served the citizens of Comal County with distinction since 1999.

Commissioner Millikin is a man that understands community needs and the value of hard work and dedication. It is important to recognize the accomplishments of Comal County Commissioners such as Jay Millikin, because they are an inspiration to many others in the community. They are the backbone of positive action in our local counties and communities.

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the accomplishments of Comal County Commissioner Jay Millikin.