R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, Jim Fonteno is truly deserving of special
1-2 legislative recognition for his exemplary service as Harris County
1-3 commissioner of Precinct 2; and
1-4 WHEREAS, A native of Port Arthur who moved to Houston in
1-5 1946, he was elected county commissioner in 1974 and has won
1-6 reelection for six consecutive terms; since his tenure began,
1-7 Mr. Fonteno has taken an active role in making sure that the
1-8 diverse needs of his growing constituency are being met; and
1-9 WHEREAS, Some of the notable developments in Precinct 2 over
1-10 the last quarter of a century include the construction of eight
1-11 community centers, two ball fields, and more than 20 recreational
1-12 parks; moreover, the establishment of county office annexes has
1-13 allowed residents to handle routine business matters, such as
1-14 paying property taxes and purchasing license tags for their
1-15 vehicles, near their homes; and
1-16 WHEREAS, Mr. Fonteno developed the East Harris County Senior
1-17 Citizens Program and the East Harris County Youth Program for
1-18 at-risk children; he serves as president of the board of directors
1-19 for both of these worthwhile programs and attends many of their
1-20 events; and
1-21 WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman has demonstrated his
1-22 commitment to Harris County in a number of other ways; he has
1-23 raised more than $4 million for various nonprofit charities as a
1-24 licensed auctioneer and is a respected member of the Holy Trinity
2-1 United Methodist Church, where he has served as chairman of the
2-2 administrative board and on numerous committees; he is also a
2-3 member of the Methodist Board of Missions; and
2-4 WHEREAS, Using a motto of "A day's work for a day's pay" as
2-5 his guide, Commissioner Fonteno has strived to forge a legacy of
2-6 community involvement and inclusion and has proven himself to be a
2-7 civic leader whose dedication, ingenuity, and foresight have had a
2-8 positive impact on countless people; and
2-9 WHEREAS, His valuable efforts and significant contributions
2-10 for the last 26 years have earned him the admiration of many, and
2-11 it is indeed most appropriate to pay tribute to him at this time;
2-12 now, therefore, be it
2-13 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
2-14 Legislature hereby honor Jim Fonteno for his impressive record of
2-15 service as Harris County commissioner and extend to him sincere
2-16 best wishes for success and happiness in his future endeavors; and,
2-17 be it further
2-18 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-19 prepared for Commissioner Fonteno as an expression of high regard
2-20 by the Texas House of Representatives.
Noriega
_______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 731 was adopted by the House on May
11, 2001, by a non-record vote.
_______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House