R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Manuel "Manny" Vela has demonstrated his dedication 1-2 to public service as Cameron County Democratic Party chairman since 1-3 his election to that post in March 1996; and 1-4 WHEREAS, A 1981 graduate of Harlingen High School, Mr. Vela 1-5 earned a doctor of jurisprudence degree from The University of 1-6 Texas School of Law and a bachelor of arts degree from The 1-7 University of Texas at Austin; and 1-8 WHEREAS, He began practicing law in 1988, following his 1-9 admission to the State Bar of Texas, and he was admitted to 1-10 practice before the United States District Court, Southern Division 1-11 of Texas, in November 1993; and 1-12 WHEREAS, Recognized as a dedicated leader in his community, 1-13 Mr. Vela has guided the Harlingen Housing Authority in the capacity 1-14 of commissioner and has also shared his expertise as a board member 1-15 of the Cameron County Bar Association, the Harlingen Chamber of 1-16 Commerce, and the Harlingen Boys & Girls Club; and 1-17 WHEREAS, In addition, this devoted family man and his wife, 1-18 Amy Walker Vela, have been blessed with four children, Brianna 1-19 Walker Vela, Manuel Macedonio Vela, Tomas Vicente Vela, and Esteban 1-20 Moises Vela; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Manuel "Manny" Vela contributes to the betterment of 1-22 his community and his country by donating his time and talents to 1-23 many worthy causes, and his efforts in this regard are truly 1-24 exemplary; now, therefore, be it 2-1 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-2 Legislature hereby commend Manuel "Manny" Vela for his 2-3 distinguished public service and extend to him sincere best wishes 2-4 for continued success and happiness in the years to come; and, be 2-5 it further 2-6 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-7 prepared for Mr. Vela as an expression of high regard by the Texas 2-8 House of Representatives. Solis of Cameron _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1320 was adopted by the House on May 29, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House