[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 97 (Thursday, June 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1210-E1211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF BASILLIO VILLARREAL, FORMER MAYOR OF RIO GRANDE 
                                CITY, TX

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK TEJEDA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 1996

  Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to honor an 
outstanding individual from Rio Grande City, TX, who in words and deed 
exemplifies strong leadership and an uncompromising dedication to 
positive values. Basillio Villarreal, who recently retired as mayor of 
Rio Grande City, is a hard-working businessman who dedicated his life 
to his business, family, and community. I take this opportunity to 
acknowledge his many accomplishments and thank him for his efforts.
  Mayor Villarreal was the first mayor in Rio Grande City in more than 
60 years. He fought hard for the reincorporation of Rio Grande City, 
after decades without a city charter. As the first mayor of this newly 
re-incorporated city, Mayor Villarreal combined his vision for the city 
with the courage necessary to make real progress for the community. As 
mayor, Basillio Villarreal took on the difficult task of organizing the 
structure of city government in Rio Grande City, and he proposed 
establishing effective police and fire departments. He knew the value 
and importance of public safety and made it a priority within his 
public agenda. He established and then required strict adherence to new 
ethics standards for city employees. He expected no less of himself, 
always proud to uphold a strong personal code of honor.

[[Page E1211]]

  Mayor Villarreal did what a good politician should do: He listened to 
the wants and needs of the citizens who reside within his jurisdiction. 
When the citizens of Rio Grande City told him that they did not want 
property taxes to finance city expenses, he worked hard to make this a 
reality. He fought to establish a government that was born efficient. 
He is a visionary who pursued the benefits of the empowerment zone and 
brought direction to its mission.
  Basillio Villarreal's popularity and support have made him a symbol 
of success and a role model in the community of Rio Grande City. His 
modest beginnings only make this proud man's life more compelling. His 
successful business is a tribute to the same admirable qualities that 
he instilled in the city government.
  When called to service by the community, Basillio Villarreal served 
honorably. His example inspires others to become involved in politics, 
pursue educational opportunities, and participate in church activities, 
teaching all of us time and again the virtues of involvement and 
activism. He is a proud man who has served his community well, and Rio 
Grande City is a better place for having had Basillio Villarreal as its 
mayor.

                          ____________________