79S31867 JNC-D By: Puente H.R. No. 651R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, James M. Mayor is retiring from his position as chairman of the San Antonio Water System on May 31, 2006, and this occasion offers a fitting opportunity to pay tribute to this exceptional Texan and to the years of exemplary service he has devoted to his community; and WHEREAS, Chairman of the San Antonio Water System since 2001, he has taken steps to ensure that the city's water supply and water quality are protected for future generations; and WHEREAS, With the help of Mr. Mayor's visionary leadership, the district expanded its role as a steward of water quality and the environment by adding thousands of acres of water quality conservation easements to protect the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, approving agreements for rainwater harvesting systems, and encouraging the use of xeriscaping; and WHEREAS, In addition, Mr. Mayor has overseen office consolidation, including construction of the new headquarters, which was finished ahead of schedule and more than $1 million under budget; during Hurricane Katrina, he approved a license agreement with the American Red Cross for the use of a 40,000-square-foot building space at the Northwest Services Center for relief efforts and sent work crews to help repair utility lines; and WHEREAS, This native of the Alamo City has also served his community as ex officio commissioner of the San Antonio Housing Authority and commissioner of the San Antonio Zoning Board; in previous years, he held the positions of councilman, deputy mayor, and mayor of Freehold Township, New Jersey; and WHEREAS, Before joining the San Antonio Water System, Mr. Mayor held a notable 33-year tenure with Hearst Distribution Corp., retiring in 1995 as senior vice president of marketing; and WHEREAS, James Mayor has distinguished himself as a man of ability, intelligence, and commitment, and his dedication to the San Antonio Water System Board has left indelible changes for the better; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend James M. Mayor on his contributions to the San Antonio Water System Board and to the people of his community and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Mayor as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.