H.R. No. 2023



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Fernando Mancias, former state district judge and 
current community activist, is a hero to many people in the McAllen 
area, for his commendable service as a member of the judiciary and 
as a private practicing attorney has benefited countless 
individuals and families; and
	WHEREAS, The son of migrant farm workers, Judge Mancias was 
born in Nyssa, Oregon, in 1953 and was raised with eight siblings in 
a humble, but loving environment; after moving to Texas with his 
family at the age of five, he attended public schools until the 
ninth grade, when he dropped out; and
	WHEREAS, Thanks to the encouragement of one of his former 
teachers, the future judge returned to school, graduating from high 
school in 1972; four years later, he earned his undergraduate 
degree from Pan American University, and in 1979 he earned a law 
degree from Washington and Lee University; and
	WHEREAS, After working in behalf of the indigent and helpless 
for two years, he became a prosecutor with the San Patricio County 
Attorney's Office; this role, however, did not suit him, and he went 
into private practice; during those years, he served on the PSJA 
School Board, devoting his time and energy in an effort to decrease 
the dropout rate of area students; and
	WHEREAS, In 1987, Fernando Mancias was elected state district 
judge after campaigning for 27 months; his victory in that election 
marked a new beginning for citizens in the district, particularly 
women who felt that they had not previously received the judicial 
hearings that they needed and deserved; and
	WHEREAS, Judge Mancias served three terms on the bench before 
retiring in 2000; although he was able to help citizens during his 
years as a member of the judiciary, he has always felt that he could 
do more as a private citizen--and he has proven that to be true with 
his efforts in support of his church, would-be dropouts, and the 
indigent; and
	WHEREAS, Few individuals have given as much to the McAllen 
community as Judge Fernando Mancias, whose incredible rise from 
poverty to political prominence has inspired untold numbers in the 
Rio Grande Valley, and it is indeed a pleasure to recognize this 
esteemed gentleman and to commend him for his exceptional record of 
service to his fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor Judge Fernando Mancias for his exemplary 
community service and extend best wishes to him for continued 
success and happiness in all his future endeavors; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Judge Mancias as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                        Martinez

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 2023 was adopted by the House on May 
26, 2005, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House