[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 142 (Friday, October 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING PLEASANTON CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ABRAHAM SAENZ, JR.

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2013

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pleasanton City 
Council Member Abraham Saenz, Jr. for his 30 years of service to the 
city of Pleasanton and to the state of Texas.
  Councilman Saenz, a Pleasanton native, is a remarkable and highly 
respected member of the community who has dedicated his career to 
promoting the quality of life for all residents of Pleasanton. First 
elected in 1983, Mr. Saenz has served the community as a Member, and 
now Senior Member, of the Council of Pleasanton.
  During his tenure Mr. Saenz has been instrumental in implementing 
many city projects. Some of the most important include: paving roads 
throughout his district and other areas of the city, preparing the city 
to have an ample water supply for the next 50 years, improving 
infrastructure in the areas of drainage and wastewater collection, 
facilitated the construction of a sports complex for youth, and the 
construction of a new City Hall, Police Headquarters, Public Works 
Facility, Library, and Civic Center. More recently Mr. Saenz 
represented Pleasanton in Economic Issues with Atascosa County and has 
been at the forefront of planning initiatives to accommodate the 
exponential growth of the city due to Eagle Shale Oil and Gas Play.
  Not only has Mr. Saenz held an esteemed and honorable career in the 
Council, he has devoted his life to his family, community, and country. 
After attending Pleasanton High School, Mr. Saenz joined the United 
States Air Force in 1952. While in the Air Force, Mr. Saenz fought in 
the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1956. Upon his return to 
Pleasanton Mr. Saenz began working as a barber, becoming the sole 
proprietor of the City Barber Shop in 1971. In 1961 he married 
Ermelinda Gomez Saenz with whom he now has 5 children, 6 grandchildren, 
and 4 great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored and pleased to have had this time to 
recognize Councilman Abraham Saenz Jr. on his career and community 
involvement. He has contributed his time, knowledge, and efforts to his 
community.

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