H.R. No. 1992 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Richard Garcia has been named the 2009 Man of the Year by the Mercedes Area Chamber of Commerce; and WHEREAS, A graduate of Mercedes High School, Mr. Garcia attended Pan American University, and while pursuing his undergraduate studies, he maintained his connection with his community by serving as an intern with the City of Mercedes; and WHEREAS, He earned his bachelor of arts degree in 1985 and went on to work with Texas Rural Legal Aid; he later rejoined the City of Mercedes, serving as planning director and assistant city manager before becoming city manager in 2002; and WHEREAS, Providing his fellow residents with effective and productive leadership, he has been actively involved in the Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, and the Urban County Advisory Board; he also shared his time with a number of professional associations, serving on the advisory committee of the International City/County Management Association, American Planning Association, and National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials; and WHEREAS, In addition to his invaluable civic service, this notable Texan has been closely involved with the PTA on various local campuses and supported the Mercedes Band Boosters; he is also a member of the Mercedes Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors; and WHEREAS, His generous nature and sense of personal commitment to the people of Mercedes have also been evident in the times he has helped individuals in need, including by providing his own financial resources, to ensure they have basic necessities; and WHEREAS, Mr. Garcia faithfully attends Sacred Heart Catholic Church and is devoted to his family; he has been married to his wife, Dahlia, for 21 years and has two children, Danielle Renee and Ricardo Daniel; and WHEREAS, The residents of Mercedes have benefited greatly from Richard Garcia's exemplary achievements and contributions to the community, and it is a pleasure to join in honoring him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Richard Garcia on being named the 2009 Man of the Year by the Mercedes Area Chamber of Commerce and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Garcia as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Martinez ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1992 was adopted by the House on May 19, 2009, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House