[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E472-E473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER JIM FONTENO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2001

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, at the end of his current term 
Harris County Commissioner Jim Fonteno will retire. Commissioner 
Fonteno is currently in his 26th year as Precinct Two Commissioner. He 
was first elected in 1974 and has won re-election terms in 1978, 1982, 
1986, 1990, 1994, and 1998, On April 12, 2001, the South Houston 
Chamber of Commerce will honor him, and I am proud to join them in 
paying tribute to Commissioner Fonteno for his dedication and 
commitment to public service.
  For most of his life, Commissioner Fonteno has served both his 
country and the residents of Harris County. He is a veteran, having, 
served in the United States Army and in the Merchant Marine. He also 
served as a Municipal Court Judge for the City of Baytown from 1957 to 
1958. Later, he served two terms 1970-1974, as Port Commissioner, Port 
of Houston Authority, but resigned the position to seek the office of 
County Commissioner. Jim Fonteno is also a licensed auctioneer and has 
used his skill to raise over $4 million for various non-profit 
charitable events, churches, clubs and organizations.

[[Page E473]]

  Commissioner Fonteno is committed to his constituents. Not only does 
he touch the lives of many underprivileged boys and girls, he has an 
unwavering commitment to our senior citizens.
  He is the founder and developer of various outstanding senior citizen 
programs in Harris County's Precinct Two, including East Harris County 
Senior Citizens, a non-profit corporation. The East Harris County 
Senior Citizens sponsors various activities throughout the year, 
including, trips to sporting events and the Houston Livestock Show and 
Rodeo. Another popular activity is the Senior Citizen Olympics, which 
is held annually. These fun-filled events have provided both social and 
physical interaction among senior citizens. In addition, 280 food 
baskets are provided to senior citizens during the holiday.
  Commissioner Jim Fonteno also spent much time in developing the the 
well-being of our youth. The East Harris County Youth Program, which he 
founded, is dedicated to serving, the needs of Harris County Precinct 
Two youth. The program originated as a pilot program comprised of a 
summer camp at J.D. Walker Community Center and an after-school program 
at Cloverleaf Elementary School.
  The single most important role of the East Harris County Youth 
Program is to serve as a vehicle that makes learning fun. Designed to 
be a resource, not a substitute for school systems, the program is a 
strong proponent of students staying in school. Although academic 
achievements receive top priority, the East Harris County Youth Program 
also puts an emphasis on physical activity.
  Mr. Speaker, it is clear that we will have a tremendous void as the 
result of Commissioner Fonteno's retirement. I am sure that I speak for 
many when I say that his tireless work will not soon be forgotten, and 
we are all thankful to him. I would like to personally wish him and his 
wife JoAnn well in this new stage of their lives, and hope that he 
continues to be a strong presence in Harris County.

                          ____________________