[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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