[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 55 (Wednesday, April 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO FORMER McALLEN MAYOR OTHAL BRAND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 2009

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker:
  Whereas, the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce promotes economic 
development and assists businesses to access the Hispanic market 
through networking, promoting education and nurturing leadership; and
  Whereas, Mayor Brand born August 12, 1919 in Grayson, Georgia one of 
six children to Homer and Ilee Brand.
  Whereas, Mayor Brand with his unfaltering patriotism served the 
United States in World War II as a U.S. Marine; and
  Whereas, Mayor Brand returned from World War II to continue to work 
tirelessly building the produce company that would become Griffin & 
Brand Produce of McAllen and ultimately relocating to McAllen, Texas in 
1954; and
  Whereas, Mayor Brand always ready for a new challenge served the City 
of McAllen as City Commissioner and then as Mayor for 20 years. Mayor 
Brand's leadership and vision was instrumental in creating the City of 
McAllen of today, a thriving modernized city; and
  Whereas, Mayor Brand's dedication to the youth of McAllen is evident 
through the founding of the Boy's and Girls' Club of McAllen that today 
supports a large number of youth programs, and his work to obtain land 
for the McAllen ISD that is now home to a high school, a city park, and 
a number of sports fields; and
  Whereas, Mayor Brand played a central role in the development of the 
McAllen Economic Development Corporation that has brought a number of 
industries to the area that today employ thousands of McAllen citizens; 
and be it hereby
  Resolved, That Congressman Henry Cuellar, in representing the 28th 
Congressional District of the State of Texas, honors Former McAllen 
Mayor Othal Brand.

                          ____________________