By Cuellar of Hidalgo H.R. No. 1229
74R13551 PAN-D
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to pay
1-2 tribute to Mayor Gene A. Braught of Weslaco, whose outstanding
1-3 vision and guidance have immeasurably enhanced the quality of life
1-4 for countless residents of that charming city of the Rio Grande
1-5 Valley; and
1-6 WHEREAS, A graduate of Iowa's Simpson College with a
1-7 bachelor's degree in music, Dr. Braught furthered his studies to
1-8 earn master's degrees in administration and music education from
1-9 Drake University and a doctorate in music education from the
1-10 Southern College of Fine Arts; and
1-11 WHEREAS, Honored with the title of professor emeritus by the
1-12 University of Oklahoma, Dr. Braught is a gifted musician who has
1-13 shared his remarkable talent to the benefit of countless students
1-14 through the years as a renowned professor and band director, having
1-15 conducted in more than 35 states and taught and lectured in more
1-16 than 30 major universities; and
1-17 WHEREAS, He also has earned a devoted following as an
1-18 outstanding performer with such notable ensembles as the Drake
1-19 University/Des Moines, Iowa, and Corpus Christi symphony
1-20 orchestras, the Karl L. King Band, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra;
1-21 and
1-22 WHEREAS, Equally accomplished in the civic arena, Dr. Braught
1-23 is a longtime Rotarian who has distinguished himself as president
1-24 of three Rotary clubs and brought esteem to the organization
2-1 through his myriad contributions as governor of District 577 in
2-2 Oklahoma; and
2-3 WHEREAS, Mayor Braught was named the recipient of the
2-4 Citation for Meritorious Service in recognition of his efforts to
2-5 promote the Rotary Foundation's many programs dedicated to
2-6 advancing the goal of international understanding, and he also was
2-7 selected as one of only 27 Rotarians from throughout the world to
2-8 receive the organization's Distinguished Service Award in 1992; and
2-9 WHEREAS, First elected to the office of Weslaco mayor in
2-10 1991, this dedicated civic leader has since been returned by the
2-11 voters for a second consecutive term based on the many
2-12 accomplishments he has realized during his fine tenure in office;
2-13 and
2-14 WHEREAS, In four short years, Mayor Braught has worked
2-15 diligently to develop and secure many important projects of benefit
2-16 to the citizens of Weslaco and his vital contributions in the area
2-17 of financial planning and economic development have ushered in an
2-18 exciting period of growth and prosperity for the community he is
2-19 proud to call home; and
2-20 WHEREAS, Dr. Braught has used his considerable leadership
2-21 skills to attract many new public and private sector initiatives to
2-22 the area, including the Clarion Corporation, the Super K-Mart
2-23 Store, Luby's Cafeteria, the H.E.B. Distribution Center, a
2-24 multiscreen theater, the new Texas National Guard Armory, and the
2-25 U.S. Department of Agriculture's Honey Bee Research Center; and
2-26 WHEREAS, Other important achievements for the community
2-27 include the completion of the new KMC Doctor's Building and the
3-1 terminal at Weslaco's Mid Valley Airport; and
3-2 WHEREAS, Mayor Braught also gives generously of his time and
3-3 talents to serve as a board member of the John Knox Village of
3-4 Weslaco, the McAllen Community Concerts Association, the Weslaco
3-5 Bicultural Museum, and the South Texas Symphony Association; and
3-6 WHEREAS, In addition, he is a past president of the Weslaco
3-7 district of the Boy Scouts of America and served as chair of the
3-8 Weslaco United Way fundraiser in 1991; the recipient of numerous
3-9 accolades for his extensive achievements, Dr. Braught has been
3-10 honored with distinguished alumnus awards from Simpson College and
3-11 Lambda Chi Alpha, his college fraternity, earned a man of the year
3-12 award from the Weslaco Rotary Club, and has enjoyed both citizen of
3-13 the year and man of the year honors bestowed on him by the Weslaco
3-14 Chamber of Commerce; and
3-15 WHEREAS, A devoted family man as well, he is supported in all
3-16 his endeavors by his loving wife, Kathryn, whom he married on May
3-17 25, 1942, and his three children, Judy Kay, Nancy Gene, and John
3-18 Richard; and
3-19 WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure as mayor, Gene A. Braught has
3-20 exemplified the highest standards of excellence, dedication, and
3-21 leadership; his hard work and commitment have profoundly influenced
3-22 the business and civic affairs of his community, and he is indeed
3-23 worthy of our highest praise and recognition for his extraordinary
3-24 achievements in this regard; now, therefore, be it
3-25 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
3-26 Legislature hereby honor Weslaco Mayor Gene A. Braught for his
3-27 exemplary accomplishments and contributions to that city and extend
4-1 to him sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness;
4-2 and, be it further
4-3 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
4-4 prepared for Mayor Braught as an expression of high regard by the
4-5 Texas House of Representatives.