[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 76 (Thursday, May 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING COUNCILMAN GENE BELMARES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2008

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Councilman Gene 
Belmares, who will be presented with the Liberty Bell Award by the 
Laredo-Webb County Bar Association on May 9, 2008.
  Gene Belmares is the son of a decorated WorId War II veteran, Ignacio 
Belmares, and Elvira Belmares. He grew up in Laredo, Texas, and 
attended United High School and Laredo Junior College. Gene utilized 
his marketing skills to great effect in his work with some of South 
Texas's most prestigious companies such as Thomas Petroleum, 
Arguindegui Oil, and WestWind Homes. Gene is now enjoying his work with 
the marketing and sales team at the famous La Posada Hotel, one of the 
oldest hotels in South Texas that is leading the revitalization of 
downtown Laredo.
  Councilman Belmares was elected to the Laredo City Council in 2002, 
and is seated on the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Water Issues, 
Sports Venue, and Legislative Committees. He is currently serving as 
Mayor Pro Tempore, and is responsible for the unprecedented fiscal 
growth of the City of Laredo for the last 6 years through his work on 
landmark ordinances and legacy projects. Councilman Belmares also has 
admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his civic work 
with the March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy, and the American Cancer 
Society. He enjoys coaching the Gateway Girls Softball League, and the 
Boys and Girls Club flag football.
  Councilman Belmares is a truly deserving recipient of the Liberty 
Bell Award, which is given out annually by the Laredo-Webb County Bar 
Association to those who have demonstrated exemplary community service, 
and contributed to good governance in the community.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the 
dedication of Councilman Belmares to the City of Laredo, and I thank 
you for this time.

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