[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 53 (Friday, May 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE RETIREMENT OF MAYOR CESAR GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2006

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Honorable 
Cesar Gonzalez, Mayor of the City of San Benito, for his many years of 
dedicated service to the South Texas community. His extensive efforts 
and accomplishments throughout his career as a public servant have 
impacted both the city and people of San Benito.
  Mayor Cesar Gonzalez's leadership and involvement in the lives of 
South Texans has earned him the reputation of being a devoted family 
man and hardworking businessman. His commitment to the prosperity and 
development of the City of San Benito and the State of Texas 
underscores his unwavering community spirit.
  Mayor Gonzalez's first service to our country was in the United 
States Air Force. He went on to serve as a livestock inspector with the 
U.S. Government. Both positions were only stepping stones leading to a 
prolific and remarkable public career.
  At the local level, Mayor Gonzalez helped form the first San Benito 
Boy's and Girl's Club as well as in the establishment of the Cameron 
County Livestock Show. He also served as president of the San Benito 
Quarterback Club, served as a Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America, 
and remained a longtime affiliate of the San Benito Chamber of 
Commerce.
  He extended his public service efforts throughout the Rio Grande 
Valley serving as president of the Lower Rio Grande Development 
Council, secretary-treasurer to the Lower Rio Grande Development 
Economic Authority, Vice President of the Lower Rio Grande Certified 
Corporation, and as Industrial Developer of the Year.
  Mayor Gonzalez's public participation has stretched beyond the local 
scope of his close-knit community to the entire Texas population. His 
positions include: Chairman of the Texas Municipal League Insurance 
Board, Chairman of the Texas Department of Human Resources, Chairman of 
Border Cities and Counties and as President of the Mayor's Association 
of the State of Texas.
  These distinguished positions illustrate his lifetime of service, 
both to South Texas and to the State of Texas, yet they do not speak to 
his kind heart and charming ways. He is an exceptional human being who 
is much beloved in South Texas.
  I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in celebrating 
the life of service of an outstanding public official. Mr. Speaker, the 
Mayor Cesar Gonzalez's three years as City Commissioner, astounding 22 
years as Mayor of the City of San Benito, and lifetime of public 
service are a source of Texas pride.

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