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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Honorable Louie Welch has significantly |
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contributed to the betterment of Houston and the Lone Star State as |
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a longtime civic and professional leader, and his remarkable |
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achievements are most deserving of commendation; and |
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WHEREAS, Born in 1918 in Lockney, Mr. Welch served as a |
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Houston councilman-at-large before being elected mayor in 1964; |
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during his time in office, Mayor Welch was instrumental in the |
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completion of several major projects, including Lake Livingston, |
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the Houston Intercontinental Airport, and the civic center complex, |
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and he initiated numerous others, including the central library, |
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the first city-owned ambulance service, Tranquility Park, and an |
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early effort to transform Buffalo Bayou; since stepping down in |
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1973, he remains the only Houston mayor to have served five |
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consecutive terms and leave office undefeated, earning him the |
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title of mayor emeritus; and |
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WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan has continued to distinguish |
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himself through his leadership in such noteworthy organizations as |
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the Houston Chamber of Commerce, which he served as president and |
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CEO for more than a decade, the Texas Business Development Job |
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Creation Task Force and International Committee, and the Foundation |
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for Business, Politics and Economics; moreover, he served as chair |
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of the Texas Film Commission Advisory Council and the Texas Water |
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Development Board, and he continues to serve as a trustee of Abilene |
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Christian University; the recipient of five honorary doctorates, he |
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has been further recognized with decorations from the Kingdom of |
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Belgium, the Italian Republic, and the Emperor of Japan; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Welch enjoyed more than 50 years of marriage to |
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the former Iola Faye Cure, with whom he raised five children, before |
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her passing in 1991; finding love again, he married Helen Morales, |
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and the couple have since shared some 15 years; in addition, he is |
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the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren and four |
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great-grandchildren; and |
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WHEREAS, The dedication and vision of Louie Welch have made a |
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positive difference in the lives of countless citizens, and his |
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exemplary record of public service will continue to inspire others |
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for many years to come; 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 Louie Welch on his remarkable civic and |
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professional achievements and extend to him sincere best wishes for |
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continued success and happiness; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Welch as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |