[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 18, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H3620-H3622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    JIM FONTENO POST OFFICE BUILDING

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 4717) to designate the facility of the United States Postal 
Service located at 1199 Pasadena Boulevard in Pasadena, Texas, as the 
``Jim Fonteno Post Office Building.''
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 4717

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. JIM FONTENO POST OFFICE BUILDING.

       (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal 
     Service located at 1199 Pasadena Boulevard in Pasadena, 
     Texas, shall be known and designated as the ``Jim Fonteno 
     Post Office Building''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be 
     a reference to the Jim Fonteno Post Office Building.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Ose) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose).


                             General Leave

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4717, introduced by our colleague, the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Bentsen), designates a post office located in Pasadena, 
Texas, as the Jim Fonteno Post Office Building. Members of the entire 
House delegation from the State of Texas are cosponsors of this 
legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, during his 28-year tenure as Harris County commissioner, 
Commissioner Jim Fonteno has championed many projects to improve east 
Harris County. For instance, one of his first initiatives was to create 
senior citizen centers throughout east Harris County. Today these 
senior centers are available throughout Harris County, and it is a 
tribute to Commissioner Fonteno for his foresight in championing their 
establishment. These multiservice centers provide many services to 
senior citizens, including transportation services to and from the 
centers. In addition, Commissioner Fonteno has worked to improve local 
recreation facilities by upgrading equipment, purchasing land, and 
building new facilities.

                              {time}  1300

  There are currently 35 parks in Commissioner Fonteno's precinct, 
covering 4,000 acres and providing 30 miles of hiking and biking 
trails. Commissioner Fonteno has also worked to improve the services 
available to youth by establishing the East Harris County Youth 
Program, which serves at-risk boys and girls with summer camps and 
after-school programs. Both of these programs help young people to 
succeed both academically and socially.
  The renaming of the Pasadena post office building in honor of 
Commissioner Jim Fonteno is a well-deserved honor. He has tirelessly 
served the citizens of East Harris County through his many public and 
civic endeavors.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of H.R. 4717.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
might consume.
  As a member of the House Committee on Government Reform I rise in 
support of H.R. 4717, legislation naming a post office after Jim 
Fonteno. H.R. 4717, which was introduced by the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Bentsen) on May 14, 2002, has met the committee policy and enjoys 
the support and cosponsorship of the entire Texas delegation.
  Jim Fonteno is a county commissioner in East Harris County, Texas; 
and for over 28 years, Commissioner Fonteno has worked to deliver 
services to senior citizens and the young people of his community. He 
has improved local recreation facilities, established camps and after-
school programs for at-risk youth and created senior centers for the 
elderly.
  Commissioner Jim Fonteno is known throughout the county for his 
dedication to public service, and I am pleased to join with my 
colleagues in seeking to honor such a man.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume 
to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bentsen).
  (Mr. BENTSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and ranking member of 
the subcommittee for yielding me the time today.
  I rise in strong support of H.R. 4717, legislation that I am 
sponsoring along with the entire Texas delegation, to rename the post 
office at 1199 Pasadena Boulevard in Pasadena, Texas, in my 
congressional district as the Jim Fonteno Post Office Building. As has 
been mentioned, Jim Fonteno has served as a member of the Harris County 
Commissioner Court for Precinct 2 in East Harris County since 1974 and 
will be retiring at the end of this year.
  First elected in 1974, Jim Fonteno has exhibited dedication and 
compassion for those he served in East Harris County. He is and has 
been a permanent fixture throughout the region. Beloved by his 
constituents, Commissioner Fonteno can be found mingling at one of the 
many centers he helped to develop, riding on a Precinct 2 bus to an 
Astros game with them or serving as an auctioneer for one charitable 
group or another, notoriously wearing his Precinct 2 cap and corralling 
wandering politicians to ante up for the cause.

[[Page H3621]]

  Jim Fonteno is a veteran of both the United States Army and Merchant 
Marines. Prior to service as county commissioner, Jim Fonteno served as 
municipal court judge for the city of Baytown, Texas. He also served as 
port commissioner for the Port of Houston Authority before he was 
elected to the office of county commissioner. Jim and his wife, JoAnn, 
have seven grown children and live in the Northshore area of East 
Harris County. He is an active member of the Holy Trinity United 
Methodist Church.
  Of particular note is the commissioner's famed senior citizens 
program. Shortly after taking office in 1975, Commissioner Fonteno went 
to work on implementing a program that would address the unique needs 
of senior citizens in Precinct 2. Commissioner Fonteno did not believe 
retirement should mean resignation from one's community; but he 
realized that for many of his constituents, most of whom were working 
people on fixed incomes, retirement meant just that. He also realized 
that for many, particularly widows, that lack of adequate nutrition and 
social and physical activity would result in a degraded life just at 
the time when one should be enjoying themselves for a lifetime of 
labor.
  Realizing there were no county funds for such a program, Commissioner 
Fonteno formed East Harris County Senior Citizens. This nonprofit 
program provides activities and transportation to the seniors 
throughout the precinct. Additionally, activities and meals are made 
available to seniors at the multiservice centers established by 
Commissioner Fonteno. Veterans' medical needs are also addressed, and 
transportation is provided to and from the VA hospital.
  One of the most critical needs that seniors faced was obtaining 
adequate transportation. Because seniors had limited transportation, 
many of them were literally inactive. Without it, many would remain 
shut in and excluded from county activities.
  In 1976, Commissioner Fonteno, along with four area businessmen, 
signed a note on a 32-passenger bus nicknamed the Fun Bus. Today, the 
fleet includes 21 buses, five of which are equipped for the physically 
challenged. The buses are used to transport senior citizens to various 
places and activities.
  Over the past 28 years, Jim Fonteno has built a network of senior 
activity centers and nutrition and health programs that have enriched 
the lives of thousands of senior citizens throughout East Harris 
County. Commissioner Fonteno has remained steadfast throughout his 
career in ensuring that senior citizens in every corner of his precinct 
are served, and he never shied way from the difficult odds in 
establishing this revered program.
  Another important initiative for Commissioner Fonteno was his effort 
to beautify and improve local recreation areas in East Harris County. 
Commissioner Fonteno has worked in conjunction with the Parks 
Department to provide safe and attractive environments by upgrading 
equipment, purchasing land, and building new facilities.
  Today, accommodations in Precinct 2 include ADA/CPSC-approved 
playground equipment, picnic facilities, baseball and soccer fields, 
boat ramps and fishing piers. Through his leadership, there are now 35 
parks in Precinct 2 covering 4,000 acres, including 30 miles of hike 
and bike trails.
  In 1992, Commissioner Fonteno initiated a wildflower program saving 
the taxpayer funds and increasing the aesthetic value of the property. 
Today, there are 67 wildflower areas which are part of the Parks 
Department and can be seen throughout Precinct 2.
  Commissioner Fonteno also worked to improve the opportunities for our 
Nation's youth. Early in his career, Commissioner Fonteno established 
the East Harris County Youth Program, which is dedicated to serving the 
young people. The program, which started as a pilot program as a summer 
camp at the J.D. Walker Community Center and an after-school program at 
Cloverleaf Elementary, now offers comprehensive services to youth from 
first to fifth grade for at-risk individuals. The program is targeted 
to help boys and girls from any ethnic background who may face 
challenges, both academically and socially, to succeed.
  Commissioner Fonteno's motto has always been: ``A day's work for a 
day's pay.'' His hardworking ethic is renowned in our area as someone 
who has dedicated this life to public service. In his spare time, 
Commissioner Fonteno has helped to raise $4 million for various 
nonprofit organizations through his work as a licensed auctioneer. He 
has been a hands-on public servant working 7 days a week to meet the 
needs of his constituents.
  As I have traveled the parts of the 25th Congressional District which 
overlap with Precinct 2, it is more often than not that I come across 
Commissioner Fonteno's tracks. Nothing occurs within his precinct that 
he does not take interest in or offer to help and assist. He has been a 
tremendous leader for our county, particularly East Harris County, for 
more than a quarter of a century. I applaud him for his service to our 
community and commend him for all he has championed to improve our 
lives.
  Naming the U.S. Post Office in Pasadena, Texas, after Jim Fonteno is 
a tribute to the service and leadership he has provided to all of East 
Harris County.
  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, joining my colleagues 
in paying tribute to a leader in Harris County, TX, who is retiring 
from office this year. Harris County Commissioner Jim Fonteno, in his 
27th year of service to the county, has earned the respect and 
admiration of his colleagues and his constituents with his tireless 
devotion to his job. The Jim Fonteno Post Office is our small way of 
repaying him for all he has done over the years.
  A veteran of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Merchant Marine, Commissioner 
Fonteno has a long history of public service. He has served as a 
municipal judge for the city of Baytown, served two terms as the 
commissioner of the Port of Houston, and, since his swearing-in on 
January 1, 1975, has represented the residents of precinct two in 
Harris County.
  Over the years, Commissioner Fonteno has been an advocate for those 
often neglected or forgotten in our society. When he took office, he 
recognized the need for programs aimed at senior citizens, and, when he 
realized that the County did not have the money, he formed East Harris 
County Senior Citizens, a nonprofit corporation.
  The most critical need seniors faced was adequate transportation. 
Because seniors had limited transportation, many of them were inactive 
and isolated from the rest of the community. In 1976, Commissioner 
Fonteno, along with four area businessmen, signed a note on a 32-
passenger bus nicknamed ``The Fun Bus.'' Today, the fleet includes 21 
buses, five of which are equipped for the physically challenged.
  These buses are used to transport senior citizens to various places 
and activities. East Harris County Senior Citizens sponsor various 
activities throughout the year, including trips to sporting events such 
as Houston Astros, Comets, and Aeros games, and the Houston Livestock 
Show & Rodeo.
  One of the most popular events sponsored by the East Harris County 
Senior Citizens is the Senior Citizen Olympics, held annually 
throughout precinct two. These fun-filled events provide both social 
and physical interaction among senior citizens.
  However, not every senior is able to attend these events. The 
distinctive needs of the seniors in the 18 nursing homes located 
throughout precinct two are addressed by the Nursing Home Program. 
Special activities such as movie parties, manicures, and the Ms. Golden 
Years Pageant are offered to nursing home residents. In addition, the 
handicap buses are utilized for field trip outings.
  All of these activities are funded solely by grants, fund raisers, 
and private donations made to the 501-C3 corporation.
  Another cause that Commissioner Fonteno devoted a great deal of time 
to was the well-being of our youth. The East Harris County Youth 
Program, which he founded, is dedicated to serving the needs of the 
Harris County precinct two youth. The program originated as a pilot 
program comprising 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.
  I am proud to know Jim Fonteno, proud to call him a friend, and 
honored to be his representative in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  My only regret is that, after all these years in public service, we 
will no longer have Commissioner Fonteno, his experience, and his

[[Page H3622]]

wisdom, at the commissioner's Court, fighting for the people of 
precinct two. I thank Jim Fonteno for his service, and wish him the 
best as he settles into a well-deserved retirement.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in 
support of a great man, a great Texan, and a great fellow-Houstonian. 
Commissioner Jim Fonteno truly deserves the honor of having his name 
placed on the Pasadena Post Office Building.
  Commissioner Fonteno has touched the lives of every person in East 
Harris County, from the youngest to the oldest. He has worked 
tirelessly for the youth of the area, establishing the East Harris 
County Youth Program, which provides wonderful opportunities for ``at 
risk'' boys and girls to attend stimulating summer camps and after-
school programs. He has supported and improved the many parks, with 
miles of hiking and biking trails, that serve the people of precinct 
two.
  Perhaps his greatest contribution has been in championing the Senior 
Citizen Centers throughout Harris County. These centers provide 
multiple services to seniors, and even bring seniors in to enjoy these 
services and help them home when they are done. That kind of service 
and access is difficult to find in this country, and is there because 
of the good work of Commissioner Fonteno.
  The Commissioner has a motto: ``A day's work for a day's pay.'' I 
believe the people of East Harris County have gotten more than their 
money's worth out of Commissioner Fonteno.
  I thank my colleague from Texas for introducing this resolution. I am 
pleased to rise in support of it.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of our time.
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bonilla). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4717.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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