[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 1 (Thursday, January 3, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E5]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. PAUL ELIZONDO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 3, 2019

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
life and legacy of Mr. Paul Elizondo, who passed away on December 27, 
2018. Mr. Elizondo was a fellow San Antonio resident and public servant 
who dedicated his life to others. He is survived by his wife, Irene, 3 
sons and 3 granddaughters. He will be greatly missed.
  Mr. Elizondo studied Music Education at St. Mary's University. In 
1957, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served 2 years. A 
skilled saxophone player, he carried an appreciation for music 
throughout his life. For 14 years, Mr. Elizondo taught music at the San 
Antonio and Edgewood Independent School Districts. He was Director of 
the Paul Elizondo Orchestra for 50 years. His orchestra was enjoyed by 
the community for many years.
  Mr. Elizondo was a meaningful force for progress in our community. In 
1978, Mr. Elizondo was elected to the Texas House of Representatives 
where he served two terms and was a member of the House Committee on 
State Affairs and the House Committee on Public Education. In 1982, he 
was first elected to the Bexar County Commissioners Court, later being 
elected to serve an unprecedented 10th term as Commissioner for 
Precinct 2, making him the longest serving member of the five-person 
Commissioners Court.
  Mr. Elizondo was known as a no-nonsnse individual whose commitment to 
policy was only matched by his strong sense of humor. He led 
incremental health care and criminal justice programs. He was strong 
advocate for mental health services throughout the county. He was 
instrumental in major infrastructure and safety projects such as the 
Bexar County flood control program. Mr. Elizondo's presence in the 
community extended beyond the Court. Notably, he assisted in bringing 
critical development to the Westside of San Antonio.
  To many, Mr. Elizondo was considered a mentor who dedicated over 30 
years to public service. His institutional recollection of many county 
matters will be sorely missed. Bexar County was well served by 
Commissioner Paul Elizondo.
  I am proud to have known this great individual. The passing of Mr. 
Paul Elizondo has been greatly felt throughout our community. However, 
I am confident that his impact will last for many years to come.

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