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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Honorable Ramon Garcia concluded his tenure as |
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the county judge of Hidalgo County in December 2006, bringing a |
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close to a distinguished term of service that greatly benefited the |
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residents of the Rio Grande Valley; and |
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WHEREAS, Elected county judge in 2002, Mr. Garcia helped |
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create a number of important new initiatives, including a public |
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defender program, a risk management department, and two additional |
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courts of law; in addition, Judge Garcia was instrumental in |
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Hidalgo County's successful efforts to obtain four homeland |
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security grants totaling more than $800,000, and his work to |
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restructure the WorkFORCE Solutions Corporation aided area |
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jobseekers and local businesses; and |
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WHEREAS, In his leadership role on the commissioners court, |
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Judge Garcia also oversaw the successful bond election that |
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approved $100 million in funds to provide Hidalgo County with |
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better protection from flooding; other financing measures carried |
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out during his term underwrote a variety of improvements to |
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facilities and infrastructure, including road projects, health |
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department equipment, and the creation of a sheriff's department |
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substation; moreover, the county moved toward completion of the new |
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Mario Ramirez Juvenile Detention Facility, which will greatly |
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increase its ability to house and rehabilitate young lawbreakers; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Garcia's accomplishments as county judge stem |
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from his extensive legal and political experience; a graduate of |
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Pan American College and the University of Houston Bates College of |
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Law, he built a successful career as a trial lawyer and was the |
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chair of the Hidalgo County Democratic Party from 1994 to 2000; his |
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work as an attorney, public servant, and civic leader has garnered |
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numerous awards, including the Notable Valley Hispanic Award from |
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The University of Texas Pan-American Library, the Hispanic |
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Exemplary Award from El Americano News, and the Army National Guard |
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Minute Man Award for his efforts to aid the members of the guard; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, An elected official committed to the ideal of |
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effective government, Ramon Garcia may reflect with justifiable |
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pride on the outstanding record of achievement that he established |
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during his tenure in office; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor Ramon Garcia for his exemplary service to |
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Hidalgo County and extend to him best wishes for success in his |
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future endeavors; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Garcia as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |