87R9155 JGH-D
 
  By: Canales H.C.R. No. 68
 
 
 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, The Honorable Ramon Garcia has contributed greatly
  to his fellow citizens through his long and dedicated service as
  Hidalgo County judge; and
         WHEREAS, A native of McAllen, Mr. Garcia knew from an early
  age that he wanted to pursue a career in law; after earning his
  bachelor's degree from Pan American University in 1970, he
  graduated with honors from the Bates College of Law at the
  University of Houston in 1972, passing the State Bar exam that same
  year; and
         WHEREAS, Early in his 40-year career, Mr. Garcia earned a
  reputation as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in South
  Texas, and he went on to enjoy equal success as a personal injury
  attorney; over the years, he has tried more than 200 cases before
  juries and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for plaintiffs
  across Texas; and
         WHEREAS, In 2002, Mr. Garcia was elected as Hidalgo County
  judge, and he donated his entire salary from his first term to
  charity; he held the position for a total of three terms until his
  retirement in December 2018, making him the longest-serving county
  judge in the county's history; over the course of his tenure in
  office, he worked to increase the county's reserve funds from
  $710,000 to $38 million, and he also led the effort to build a new
  Hidalgo County courthouse; and
         WHEREAS, Judge Garcia is the recipient of numerous honors,
  including the Valley Hispanic Award from The University of
  Texas-Pan American Library, the Golden Eagle Award from the McAllen
  Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Exemplary Award from El
  Americano News, the Governor's Humanitarian Achievement Award from
  Rio Grande Valley Humanities, and the Pillars of Success Award from
  The University of Texas-Pan American; in 2019, the law library of
  the new Hidalgo County Courthouse was dedicated in his honor; and
         WHEREAS, Through his vision, leadership, and expertise,
  Ramon Garcia has contributed immeasurably to his community, and in
  so doing, he has earned the lasting respect and appreciation of his
  fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas
  hereby commend Ramon Garcia for his service as Hidalgo County judge
  and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it
  further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Mr. Garcia as an expression of high regard by the Texas
  House of Representatives and Senate.