Henry Cuellar

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Representative Ruth Jones McClendon for her dedicated service to the people of Texas. Ruth McClendon has been a tremendous advocate for public safety and public health in the State of Texas. She is the creator of the Neighborhood Cellular on Patrol program, which has won acclaim from President George W. Bush for its effectiveness in reducing crime. She founded the Community Crime Prevention Network to fight neighborhood crime, sponsored legislation to support community policing and increase penalties for church burnings, and hosted a seminar with constituents to help them respond to gang activity. While in the legislature, Representative McClendon passed two children's asthma bills, for which she received the American Lung Association of Texas Public Policy Award for 2001. She created a medical academy to prepare medical students to practice in inner city neighborhoods, and worked to pass a bill to dedicate $400 million for a pediatric cancer center in San Antonio. Her legislative activity has brought her numerous awards, including listings in the World's Who's Who of Women and Who's Who in Texas. She is a graduate of Texas Southern University, and holds an honorary doctorate from Guadalupe College Theological Seminary. She was the first African-American woman elected to the San Antonio City Council, and was named a 2003 Headliner by the San Antonio Chapter of Women in Communications. Mr. Speaker, Ruth Jones McClendon has been a tireless and effective public servant, and a role model and guardian for her community. She deserves our gratitude, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to recognize her for her work.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Representative Ryan Guillen for his commitment to building a better future for South Texas. Ryan Guillen is a native of Starr County, with deep roots in the Texas business community. Before entering public service, he worked as a commodities trader, a rancher, a teacher, and an independent small businessman. This experience helped to shape his priorities: in the legislature, he acted to help teachers, firefighters and policemen with low interest loans, authored a bill to lower taxes for the disabled and elderly, and passed legislation to reform government in his county. Representative Guillen was elected to the Texas House in November, 2002, and quickly distinguished himself. He was named Freshman Legislator of the Year by the Freshman Democratic Caucus of the Texas House of Representatives, and passed more bills than any other member of the first-term Democratic class. He is the only Democrat appointed to the Legislative Council Board, a powerful committee which oversees the internal operations of the Texas Legislature. He has been especially committed to the issue of education. He fought to restore cuts to teacher insurance, authored a bill to increase school district funding in Texas by $1.2 billion dollars, and worked to protect the rights of all Texas children to an equal, high quality education. Mr. Speaker, Representative Guillen has distinguished himself as a passionate and effective legislator, and he has a bright future ahead of him. I am proud to have the chance to recognize his work.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Texas State Representative Edmund Kuempel of my Congressional District for his exceptional career in public service. Mr. Kuempel was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and received his Bachelor of Arts in Business from Texas Lutheran College in Seguin. He was first elected to the Texas State Legislature in 1983, and is currently the Chairman of the House Administration Committee. He has received numerous awards for his legislative work, including the Man of the Year Award from the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association, the Career Achievement Award from the Texas Chamber of Commerce, the Leader of Excellence Award from the Free Market Committee, and the Texas Chamber of Commerce Legislative Leadership Award. Edmund Kuempel continues to serve the people of Wilson, Gonzales, and Guadalupe Counties with his hard work and dedication. He is a credit to the Texas State Legislature, and his dedication to his state and country are admirable. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the many achievements of State Representative Edmund Kuempel.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Texas State Senator Ken Armbrister, of my Congressional District. Ken Armbrister began his public service career in law enforcement. After graduating from Sam Houston State University, he attended the FBI National Academy. He served as a police officer for 14 years, and rose to the rank of Captain and Director of the Victoria Regional Police Academy. He was honored with the Defender of the Peace award by the Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice, and was twice named a Top Ten Crime Fighter by the Greater Dallas Crime Commission. Mr. Armbrister was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1983, and to the Texas Senate in 1987. He served as President Pro Tempore, as acting governor, and was honored as one of the Best Legislators in Texas. He currently serves on the Senate Committees on Business and Commerce, Government Organization, and State Affairs, and is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources. He continues to work at the forefront of critical legislation, and authored the landmark legislation that established the Edwards Aquifer Authority that provided for the water needs of a 26 county area of South Texas. Ken Armbrister repaid the trust of the people of Texas with a lifetime of dedicated and effective public service. He is an inspiration to the people of the community, of what and show's man's commitment and energy can accomplish. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize State Senator Ken Armbrister.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker rise to recognize State Representative Carlos I. Uresti for a lifetime of distinguished public service. Representative Uresti is a native of San Antonio, and a graduate of McCollum High School. He continued his education by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Teacher's Certificate from Saint Mary's University. After graduation he served four years in the United States Marine Corps, where he was awarded the Naval Achievement Medal. When his service to the Marines was over he returned to San Antonio and enrolled at Saint Mary's school of Law, where he received his law degree in 1992. He is currently is a partner at the Law Offices of Gonzales Hoblit & Ferguson. In June 1997 Carlos Uresti was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He honorably serves as Chairman of the Committee of Human Services, and as a member on the Committee on Elections and Select Committee on Healthcare Expenditures. As a former Marine, he is proud to serve as a member of the Texas House Veterans Coalition and the United States Marine Corps League. During his time in office, Representative Carlos Uresti fought to prevent child abuse and neglect. He was instrumental in the creation of Bexar County's Blue Ribbon Task Force, a coalition that brings community members together to fight the cause against child abuse, and is a member of numerous organizations that help educate our youth. Mr. Speaker, Representative Carlos I. Uresti is a credit to his community and I am honored to have had this opportunity to recognize the many achievements of this great public servant.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Puente for his distinguished career in public service. Robert Puente is currently serving his eighth term in the Texas Legislature. He is Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee and serves on the Local Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Puente is especially involved in ensuring that Texas always has an adequate water supply; he is co-chair of the Study Commission for Water on Environmental Flows, and is a member of the Texas Water Advisory Council. Mr. Puente is a proud product of the Texas higher educational system. He graduated from St. Mary's University in San Antonio with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, and he received his Doctorate in Jurisprudence from the University of Texas Law School in 1982. Included among Mr. Puente's many legislative accomplishments are his work on the passage of the Edwards Aquifer Authority legislation and the establishment of the Aquifer Authority's elected board, and his support for SB1, which implemented a comprehensive water plan for the state. Representative Puente continues to live in San Antonio with his wife, Carmen Puente, and his three children. In addition to his legislative activities, he finds the time to participate in a number of different community organizations. Mr. Speaker, Representative Robert Puente's farsighted legislative work has helped secure the future of San Antonio and our great state of Texas, and I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize him here.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Constable Jimmy Willborn for his exceptional career in law enforcement. Jimmy Willborn has served in law enforcement for more than 40 years. He holds a Master Peace Officers License, and for 31 years, he worked to keep his fellow citizens safe as a member of the San Antonio Police Department. During his career, he has been a consistent advocate for better law enforcement. He is the founder of the Blue Santa program, and the former Director of the Texas Narcotics Control Program. He helped to build connections with other law enforcement agencies as the Secretary/ Treasurer of CLEAT, the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas. He put his expertise to work as a developer of the National and State Control Policy for Drug and Violent Crimes, in 1994 and 1995. Jimmy Willborn currently serves as Constable for Precinct 2 of Bexar County, Texas. He also works as a lobbyist for the South West Texas Constable's and Justice of the Peace Association, attempting to help legislators craft bills that will strengthen the Texas Law enforcement community. He is currently lobbying in support of bills that will help to keep Texas' children safe by creating reduced-speed school zones around high schools. Mr. Speaker, Constable Jimmy Willborn is a dedicated guardian for the people of Bexar County, and his community is safer and stronger as a result of his presence. I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize his service.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Hays County Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe for her accomplishments in public service. Ms. Ingalsbe comes from a family with a tradition of public service-- her father was also a Hays County Commissioner. She is a lifelong resident of San Marcos, and has the distinction of being the first female commissioner in Hays County history. Ms. Ingalsbe began her career in service as a Deputy Constable after graduating from the Travis County Sheriff's Academy. She has worked tirelessly as commissioner to improve the quality of life in Hays County. She has been especially involved in the issue of health care. She directed all of the county's tobacco settlement funds toward public health, permitting Hays County to build one of the most comprehensive and advanced public health facilities in the State. Commissioner Ingalsbe continues to give of her time and energy to make the San Marcos area a better place to live. She is a member of a long list of community organizations, including San Marcos EMS, the Hays/Caldwell County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and the San Marcos Area Food Bank. Her commitment to her fellow citizens is laudable. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this opportunity to recognize the many achievements of Hays County Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize San Antonio City Councilman Ron Segovia's tremendous contribution to his community in my Congressional District of San Antonio, Texas. Councilman Ron Segovia attended Harlandale High School in San Antonio, where he was a member of the ROTC. He studied at San Antonio College, and graduated from the Police Academy in 1975. He served for 28 years as a San Antonio Police Officer, working in such special programs as DARE, SWAT, Crime Prevention, and Gang Resistance Education and Training. He was a part of the School Services program, which provided outreach and information to public school students. Ron is also a successful small businessman. He owns Ron's Jewelers, which has been a fixture of the community for 22 years. He has used his role as a business owner to act as a benefactor and support educational programs in the community. As a lifelong San Antonio resident he has given so much back to the community, as a protector, civil servant, and businessman. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to recognize Councilman Ron Segovia.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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 KGNS.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. 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.