1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 735 1-3 In Memory 1-4 of 1-5 The Honorable Renato Cuellar 1-6 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins 1-7 citizens throughout Texas in mourning the loss of one of 1-8 the Lower Rio Grande Valley's most esteemed and well-loved 1-9 citizens, Renato Cuellar, who died April 5, 2001, at the age 1-10 of 73; and 1-11 WHEREAS, During his distinguished five terms in the 1-12 House of Representatives the highly respected member from 1-13 Weslaco established a praiseworthy record of public service, 1-14 and his keen insight and directness will be greatly missed by 1-15 the people of the Valley and this state; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Holding office from 1987 to 1997, 1-17 Representative Cuellar ably served the needs of his constituents 1-18 with hard work and dedication and earned high marks from his 1-19 colleagues in the house for his tireless efforts and adherence 1-20 to principles; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Born and raised in Weslaco, the lifelong Democrat 2-1 had firsthand knowledge of the Valley's inequities and authored 2-2 such key legislative proposals as protection of workers' rights, 2-3 funding for The University of Texas-Pan American, and bringing 2-4 Regional Academic Health Centers to the Valley, this quiet yet 2-5 very effective legislator greatly influenced the future of the 2-6 Lower Rio Grande Valley; and 2-7 WHEREAS, His steadfast allegiance to the values espoused by 2-8 his constituents earned this highly esteemed Texan a reputation 2-9 for uncompromising integrity in his pursuit of rights for all 2-10 Texans during his tenure as a state representative; and 2-11 WHEREAS, Widely known and well respected as a man of high 2-12 moral principles, Renato Cuellar was asked in 1997 to fill the 2-13 unexpired term of Hidalgo County Judge; this political pioneer 2-14 for Mexican-Americans in Hidalgo County brought honesty and 2-15 integrity back to the controversial position; and 2-16 WHEREAS, Throughout his notable political career, former 2-17 State Representative and County Judge Renato Cuellar displayed 2-18 exceptional courage, leadership, and selflessness; his service to 2-19 Weslaco, the Valley, and the State of Texas reflects his deep 2-20 devotion to those ideals he held dear; now, therefore, be it 2-21 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-22 77th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the 2-23 bereaved family of Renato Cuellar: his beloved wife, Maria Elena; 2-24 his children, Geraldine, Nancy, Renato, Shirley, Robert, Arthur, 3-1 and Edna; and his 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; 3-2 and, be it further 3-3 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the 3-4 members of the family as an expression of deepest sympathy from 3-5 the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day it 3-6 do so in memory of former State Representative Renato Cuellar. 3-7 Lucio 3-8 Gallegos 3-9 ______________________________________ 3-10 President of the Senate 3-11 I hereby certify that the above 3-12 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-13 on April 18, 2001, by a rising vote. 3-14 ______________________________________ 3-15 Secretary of the Senate 3-16 ______________________________________ 3-17 Member, Texas Senate 3-18 ______________________________________ 3-19 Member, Texas Senate