[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CELEBRATING CARLOS VILLARREAL

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 18, 2015

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a noteworthy 
American: Carlos Villarreal. From April of 2007 until 2014, Mr. 
Villarreal served as City Manager of Laredo, Texas. In his own words, 
he worked diligently to ``shape the growth and prosperity of [his] 
community.''
  Carlos Villarreal graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor 
of Arts in Public Administration. He began his career in public service 
with the City of Laredo, serving as the Director of Community 
Development. During his time in this role, he became the department's 
chief planner and director for the renewal of urban housing programs, 
working tirelessly to ensure affordable housing for low-income 
Laredoans. Mr. Villarreal then served as the Assistant City Manager for 
ten years and went on to become the Executive Administrator for Webb 
County, where he oversaw the administration and management of all 
county departments and worked with county officials to improve county 
services. For the past eight years, Mr. Villarreal has served as the 
City Manager of Laredo.
  With his experience in government spanning over thirty-five years, 
Mr. Villarreal successfully procured two presidential permits for the 
Colombia Solidarity Bridge and World Trade Bridge, both of which 
allowed Laredo's port to become the country's number one land port for 
commercial trade. He has also maintained a valuable working 
relationship with the Mexican government at the local, state, and 
federal levels.
  Mr. Villarreal has also served as Past President of LULAC Council 
#12. He is the recipient of various awards such as the Republic of 
Mexico-Jose Lopez Portillo Presidential Medal for Outstanding Service, 
the Sportsman of the Year by the Latin American International Sports 
Hall of Fame, and the Tejano Achievers Award for Community Service.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Carlos 
Villarreal for his outstanding service to the City of Laredo and its 
people.

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