SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 985
	WHEREAS, The Honorable Joe Ochoa, mayor of Edinburg, 
has served the constituents of his community with integrity 
and distinction since taking office in 1993, and his vision 
and leadership have helped to measurably improve the city's 
infrastructure, economy, and quality of life; and
	WHEREAS, A native of Edinburg, Mayor Ochoa was born 
to a poor family that placed immense importance on education 
and, after his graduation from Edinburg High School, he attended 
Pan American University and later earned a bachelor of science 
degree at The University of Texas at Austin's acclaimed school of 
pharmacy; his first foray into public service came in 1984, when 
he began the first of three terms as a respected board member of 
the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District; and
	WHEREAS, Mayor Ochoa's work on the school board brought him 
both public recognition and admiration, as well as the support 
that would ultimately win him the 1993 race for mayor; the city 
of Edinburg has grown and prospered throughout his tenure, during 
which time the community has developed a master plan for growth 
and has attracted new retail chains, built new power plants, 
reopened a long-dormant industrial park, welcomed several 
profitable entertainment venues, and generated many new jobs 
in every segment of the economy; and
	WHEREAS, This impressive record of success has come at a 
time when Mayor Ochoa has also given generously of his time to 
support such organizations as the Hidalgo County MPO, the South 
Texas Border Partnership, the Texas Border Infrastructure 
Coalition, and the National Association of International Trade 
Corridor Partnership; in addition, he has worked closely with 
local and state officials and university administrators to bring 
to the area a Regional Academic Health Center and a state-of-the-art
medical research facility and, over the course of his exemplary 
tenure as a public servant, Mayor Ochoa has truly helped to shape 
the future of South Texas for many generations to come; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, hereby commend the Honorable Joe Ochoa on his 
outstanding service to his community and state and extend to him 
best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be 
prepared for Mayor Ochoa as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas Senate.
                                                                 Hinojosa, Lucio




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 27, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate