[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 14, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MAYOR JAMES `JIM' DARLING

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 14, 2021

  Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Mayor James `Jim' Darling on the occasion of his retirement. 
Mayor Darling faithfully served the City of McAllen, Texas for 43 years 
and will close out his tenure as mayor this May.
  Mayor Darling was born in Rochester, New York, and then selflessly 
joined the U.S. Air Force. He completed two tours in Vietnam with the 
U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant and eventually earned the rank of 
2nd Class Petty Officer for the U.S. Navy Reserve.
  Mayor Darling initially came to Texas to attend Baylor University in 
Waco, Texas, where he obtained his bachelor's and law degree. After 
Baylor, he moved to McAllen, Texas, where his love for the community 
kept him for over 40 years. Mayor Darling spent 28 years as city 
attorney for the City of McAllen and other government entities. He also 
served as the District 6 City Commissioner for two terms before being 
elected as Mayor of McAllen in 2013.
  During Darling's two terms as Mayor, he was devoted to expanding 
educational opportunities and investing in public safety and 
infrastructure in McAllen and the entire Rio Grande Valley. He was 
deeply involved in the establishment of the University of Texas Rio 
Grande Valley (UTRGV) Medical School, UTRGV Research Center and a Texas 
A&M University campus, attracting future professionals to the area. He 
also oversaw the merger of the Valley's three Metropolitan Planning 
Organizations and spearheaded key road and traffic improvements, an 
expansion of the city police department, an expansion of McAllen 
International Airport, and the construction of a new fire department.
  Under Mayor Darling's leadership, the city also saw stadium 
improvements, park developments, and the construction of the McAllen 
Performing Arts Center. Mayor Darling also fought to bring broadband 
for underserved neighborhoods and worked with Catholic Charities of the 
Rio Grande Valley to open the Humanitarian Respite Center.
  Madam Speaker, I want to thank Mayor Darling for his leadership and 
more than four decades of service to the City of McAllen. While he 
credits many for his accomplishments, it takes a true leader to make a 
difference of this magnitude. He serves as both a light in our 
community and a role model. It is an honor to represent a dedicated 
public servant like Jim Darling. I wish Mayor Darling, my good friend, 
the best in his future endeavors.

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