[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 59 (Monday, April 3, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING COMMISSIONER JAMES HOWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 3, 2023

  Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Mr. James Howell, a dedicated public servant, who has gone above and 
beyond for the people of Mercedes, Texas.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  On April 3, 2023, page E288, in the second column, the following 
appeared: Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Mr. James Howell, a
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: Mr. VICENTE 
GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
James Howell, a


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 


  The city of Mercedes, Texas is home to over 16,000 residents who are 
served, in part, by Mr. Howell as Place 1 City Commissioner. For the 
last three years, Mr. Howell has exemplified an unwavering commitment 
to the well-being and safety of our community while supporting its fast 
growth. Recently, the city of Mercedes has been given an A+ rating of 
their credit score and has taken action to address law enforcement 
vulnerabilities in schools. Mr. Howell has continued to work on 
solutions to the issues facing our community, focusing on hiring 
additional officers to protect the students and teachers of Mercedes.
  Before his election to public office, Commissioner Howell worked to 
uplift young people and push them to reach their full potential, 
including during his stint as a Strength & Conditioning Coach for the 
St. Louis Cardinals. He also helped South Texas in the real estate 
industry, ensuring those he worked with could find a place to call 
home. Commissioner Howell has aided Mercedes in making substantial 
strides towards improvements in infrastructure and economic growth. 
With his innovative attitude and love for his community, Commissioner 
Howell has inspired people in Mercedes to work hard and dream big. As a 
volunteer firefighter, coach and educator, he has learned and 
exemplified what it means to step up and fight as a leader in Mercedes 
and for the entire Rio Grande Valley. From his education at the 
University of Texas Pan-American to his journey as a Ph.D. student, Mr. 
Howell has exemplified the importance of education and never giving up 
on the pursuit of excellence.
  Mr. Speaker, Commissioner Jacob Howell, the City of Mercedes, and all 
our public officials who dedicate their lives to our amazing 
communities have my greatest thanks. I have no doubt that Commissioner 
Howell and all people of Mercedes will continue in their hard and 
tireless work to provide significant results for all Mercedes 
residents, and I am forever thankful for their service to our 
community.

                          ____________________