[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 124 (Friday, October 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     IN HONOR OF MR. JOE A. GUERRA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 5, 2000

  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize Mr. Joe A. Guerra for his excellence in public service. Mr. 
Guerra currently serves as the dean of the Laredo City Council and is 
mayor pro-tempore. Mr. Guerra has been a member of the Laredo City 
Council for 18 years with his last, and final term ending in 2002. He 
has served under four distinct administrations, J. C. Martin, Aldo 
Tatangelo, Saul N. Ramirez, and Elizabeth G. Flores. A true 
representative of the people, Mr. Guerra was instrumental in the 
inception of Laredo's citywide paving program, and is a strong 
supporter for the disadvantaged and elderly.
  Jose Antonio Guerra was born on July 9, 1934 in Laredo, TX, to Jose 
M. and Josefina Valls Guerra. His lineage traces all the way back to 
the first Guerra who came to the New World from Montana de Castilla, 
Spain, Jose Guerra Canamar. He is the oldest of nine children, carrying 
on the legacy of the Guerra family raising and educating eight 
children, and enjoying the blessing of six grandchildren with his wife 
of 39 years, Josie Guerra. Joe attended local schools and graduated 
from Martin High School in 1953, following high school he received his 
Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Mary's University in San Antonio, 
TX, in 1957.
  Following his college experience, Mr. Guerra returned to Laredo to 
join his family in the automotive replacement part business. Since 
1969, he has been involved in the commercial oil and gas business, and 
is the owner/operator of a local service station. Not only is he 
involved in the city council and the local business community, he is 
also a member of the City/County Government Consolidation Committee 
which was created to study and establish a metropolitan government, the 
City of Laredo Water Issues Committee, and the Ad Hoc Insurance 
Committee.
  A member of the Republican Party since 1964, Mr. Guerra attributes 
his success to the party's ideals and values. He served as Webb County 
Chairman to the campaign for Governor William P. Clements. He served on 
the committee working to promote George Bush for President in 1988, and 
1992. He also worked diligently to ensure my election as Representative 
of the 23rd District of Texas. Currently he is working hard for the 
George W. Bush for President campaign efforts.
  Mr. Guerra was asked to lead the ``Pledge of Allegiance'' at the 
fourth session of the 2000 Republican National Convention in 
Philadelphia, which he proudly accepted with honor and dignity.
  Mr. Guerra has made great contributions to society as a public 
servant. His commitment and dedication to his community are evident in 
the dynamic growth and development the city of Laredo has recently 
experienced. I want to send sincere thanks and best wishes to him, his 
wife Josie and the entire family for exceptional service.

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