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