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