[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 23 (Thursday, March 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORNG THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF UNITED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD 
                       MEMBER FRANCISCO GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2005

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important 
contribution of United Independent School District Board Member 
Francisco Gonzalez in Laredo, TX in my Congressional District.
  Francisco ``Pancho'' Gonzalez works for Webb County as the Center 
Director for the Larga Vista Community Center. Besides overseeing the 
center's operations, a large part of Gonzalez's job consists of meeting 
with the people in the community he serves and helping them solve a 
variety of problems. Gonzalez regularly intervenes on behalf of 
families having difficulties paying their utility bills, or buying food 
for their families. He is a man who goes out of his way to help others.
  Gonzalez says, being on the United ISD Board gives him the chance to 
help the district move in a positive direction. Gonzalez likens the 
Board to an eight member team that must work together to realize its 
full potential. He also realizes that not all ideas come from the top. 
Gonzalez likes to listen to people's concerns and ideas. ``I'm open 
minded to suggestions. I don't mind giving credit where credit is 
due.''
  Gonzalez, a Laredo native, earned a Bachelor in Business 
Administration degree from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. 
Despite his early business training, Gonzalez says he has always been 
attracted to social work. ``I'm going on 20 years in the social 
services field,'' Gonzalez said.
  He has worked for the Housing Authority of Laredo as a Drug 
Elimination Program coordinator. In that position, he organized drug 
prevention workshops and anti-drug activities for housing development 
residents. He has helped prisoners get their G.E.D.s when he worked 
with Laredo Junior College while stationed at the Corrections 
Corporation of America. As an employee with the Laredo-Webb County 
Health Department, he counseled people and referred them to agencies 
that could help them with their transportation and medical needs. 
Gonzalez has worked for the Texas Department of Human Resources, and 
the Texas Employment Commission. He has also spent time in the private 
sector, purchasing materials and parts for his father's auto painting 
business.
  He says he enjoys doing community service work. ``If it's for a good 
cause, I'll do it.'' He was a previous board member with the Gateway 
Community Health Center where he served as president of the finance 
committee. He serves as a board member for the Salvation Army and is a 
court appointed special advocate-CASA. He has also donated time to 
Cancer Patient Services, United I.S.D.'s anti-drug program, and the 
Bringing Everyone Special Together organization. Gonzalez says one of 
the best ways to put his knowledge to good use is to help others in 
need. ``One of my goals is to continue helping people. When I get 
tired, I seek guidance from the Lord.''
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the 
contributions of United Independent School District Board Member 
Francisco Gonzalez.

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