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H.R. No. 659
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, In his long and distinguished career as a lawyer and
civic activist, Peter "Pete" Torres, Jr., has stood as a role model
for the Hispanic residents of Texas and, indeed, for all citizens
interested in making their state a better place in which to live and
work; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Torres's many achievements have been recognized
by the Hispanic Law Alumni Association of St. Mary's University,
who made him a recipient of the group's prestigious Henry B.
Gonzalez Award for 2006; and
WHEREAS, A proud son of San Antonio, Mr. Torres graduated
from Brackenridge High School, then served with the United States
Marine Corps during the Korean War; he returned to San Antonio to
attend St. Mary's University, earning an undergraduate degree in
government in 1957 and a law degree in 1963; Mr. Torres opened a law
office in his hometown and soon became well known for his expertise
in consumer legal affairs, as well as for his unflappable composure
and keen intellect; and
WHEREAS, His concern for the citizens of San Antonio
compelled him to seek an active role in local government; in 1967 he
staged a successful campaign to win a seat on the city council and
did so without the support of the Good Government League, an
organization that then dominated San Antonio politics; during his
four years on the council, Mr. Torres was not afraid to challenge
the actions of other members when he believed they were not acting
in the city's best interests, and he fought to bring greater
openness and accountability to the council's activities; and
WHEREAS, Leaving elective office certainly didn't end his
involvement in the political process; he has remained committed to
civic affairs, offering an informed and influential voice on a
broad range of issues and inspiring a new generation of Hispanic
leaders; and
WHEREAS, Realizing that the legal community could influence
matters that were vital to Latino citizens, Mr. Torres assisted in
the formation of the Hispanic Issues Section of the State Bar of
Texas in 1979; serving as the group's first chair, he led efforts to
give under-represented groups a larger voice in the legal process
and better representation in the Texas courts; and
WHEREAS, Pete Torres has had a positive and lasting impact on
this state as a visionary pioneer who has helped the Hispanic
population of Texas to achieve a larger voice in political and legal
affairs; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby honor Pete Torres, Jr., for
his contributions to legal, civic, and governmental affairs and
extend to him best wishes for continued success and happiness; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Torres as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Martinez Fischer
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 659 was adopted by the House on May
15, 2006, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House