H.R. No. 763
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, The Honorable Tony Ponce is retiring as El Paso city
1-2 council representative on June 7, 1993, drawing to a close a
1-3 distinguished career that has spanned many years of dedicated
1-4 service to the people of his community; and
1-5 WHEREAS, A native of El Paso born on February 2, 1925, he was
1-6 graduated from Bowie High School in 1943 and served in the United
1-7 States Army Air Corps during World War II; and
1-8 WHEREAS, In recognition of his valorous wartime record,
1-9 Mr. Ponce was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon with one
1-10 Battle Star, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Victory Medal,
1-11 and various other decorations attesting to his meritorious service;
1-12 and
1-13 WHEREAS, Following the war, he had a long career in the
1-14 United States Army National Guard and Army Reserve, attending the
1-15 Army Staff and Command College and eventually retiring with a
1-16 reserve rank of major in 1985; and
1-17 WHEREAS, He also distinguished himself through his work as a
1-18 municipal employee, enjoying a highly rewarding 25-year career that
1-19 began with the city clerk's office and culminated as acting
1-20 sanitation superintendent with the city sanitation department; and
1-21 WHEREAS, He has continued to make significant and lasting
1-22 contributions to El Paso as an elected official, first entering
1-23 office as city representative of District III, East Central
1-24 District, in 1987; and
2-1 WHEREAS, Widely regarded by voters for his utmost dedication,
2-2 hard work, and skillful representation, Mr. Ponce won reelection
2-3 three times and, throughout his tenure, has championed the concerns
2-4 of the elderly and staunchly supported grass-roots efforts to
2-5 improve the social, political, and economic conditions of those in
2-6 his community; and
2-7 WHEREAS, In recognition of his thoughtful governance and
2-8 unflagging commitment to the community, he was selected by the
2-9 mayor and fellow councilmembers to serve as alternate mayor pro tem
2-10 in 1989 and 1991 and was named mayor pro tem in June 1991, in which
2-11 capacity he continues to serve today; and
2-12 WHEREAS, A man of great vision, he also has worked for the
2-13 betterment of El Paso through his service with several community
2-14 organizations; a member of the board of directors of Concordia
2-15 Heritage and Keep El Paso Beautiful, he also contributes his
2-16 valuable insight as a member of Project Bravo, the Central District
2-17 Civic Association, LULAC Council No. 8, the Knights of Columbus,
2-18 and the Armed Services YMCA; and
2-19 WHEREAS, At the close of many years of outstanding service,
2-20 Mr. Ponce and his wife, Carolina, look forward to pursuing their
2-21 many interests, including dancing, viewing mystery movies,
2-22 travelling, and spending time with their family; having recently
2-23 resumed his academic work, Mr. Ponce also looks forward to
2-24 receiving a degree in business administration from The University
2-25 of Texas at El Paso, where he is in his final year of study; and
2-26 WHEREAS, This exceptional gentleman has accomplished much to
2-27 benefit the citizens of El Paso in the course of his public
3-1 service, and he is indeed deserving of special legislative
3-2 recognition on the occasion of his retirement; now, therefore, be
3-3 it
3-4 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
3-5 Legislature hereby commend the Honorable Tony Ponce for his
3-6 exceptional service to the citizens of El Paso and extend to him
3-7 best wishes for a happy and rewarding retirement; and, be it
3-8 further
3-9 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-10 prepared for Mr. Ponce as an expression of high regard by the Texas
3-11 House of Representatives.
3-12 prepared for Mr. Ponce as an expression of high regard by the Texas
3-13 House of Representatives.
3-14 Parra
3-15 H.R. No. 763
3-16 _______________________________
3-17 Speaker of the House
3-18 I certify that H.R. No. 763 was adopted by the House on May
3-19 25, 1993, by a non-record vote.
3-20 _______________________________
3-21 Chief Clerk of the House