79S31907 JH-D

By:  Martinez Fischer                                             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.