[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 32 (Wednesday, March 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE RUTH McCLENDON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2005

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Representative 
Ruth Jones McClendon for her dedicated service to the people of Texas.
  Ruth McClendon has been a tremendous advocate for public safety and 
public health in the State of Texas. She is the creator of the 
Neighborhood Cellular on Patrol program, which has won acclaim from 
President George W. Bush for its effectiveness in reducing crime. She 
founded the Community Crime Prevention Network to fight neighborhood 
crime, sponsored legislation to support community policing and increase 
penalties for church burnings, and hosted a seminar with constituents 
to help them respond to gang activity.
  While in the legislature, Representative McClendon passed two 
children's asthma bills, for which she received the American Lung 
Association of Texas Public Policy Award for 2001. She created a 
medical academy to prepare medical students to practice in inner city 
neighborhoods, and worked to pass a bill to dedicate $400 million for a 
pediatric cancer center in San Antonio.
  Her legislative activity has brought her numerous awards, including 
listings in the World's Who's Who of Women and Who's Who in Texas. She 
is a graduate of Texas Southern University, and holds an honorary 
doctorate from Guadalupe College Theological Seminary. She was the 
first African-American woman elected to the San Antonio City Council, 
and was named a 2003 Headliner by the San Antonio Chapter of Women in 
Communications.
  Mr. Speaker, Ruth Jones McClendon has been a tireless and effective 
public servant, and a role model and guardian for her community. She 
deserves our gratitude, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to 
recognize her for her work.

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