82R27992 BPG-D
By: Gallego H.R. No. 2620
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Honorable Jose A. Aranda, Jr., served with great
distinction as Maverick County judge from 2003-2010; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure, "Pepe" Aranda worked closely with
members of the commissioners court and state and federal officials
on a number of important initiatives, including the establishment
of a new water plant and distribution system for the northern parts
of the county; the construction of a 650-bed detention center
created 180 new jobs, and millions of dollars in state funding were
secured for colonia paving projects; moreover, Mr. Aranda led
emergency management recovery efforts after a tornado destroyed
more than 300 homes; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Aranda began his career in public service in
1998 as mayor of Eagle Pass, serving from 1998 to 2002; over the
course of his four years in that office, he guided the effort to
build a $103 million regional potable and waste water system, and he
secured funding for the construction of a new 43,000-square-foot
convention center and assisted in its design; he also initiated
Leadership Eagle Pass, oversaw the completion of the second
International Bridge, and promoted business development that
brought thousands of jobs to the community; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Sul Ross University, Mr. Aranda earned
his bachelor's degree in business administration; he worked for HEB
for 20 years before shifting to the dairy business as an
owner/operator with Borden in 1993; in addition, he enjoyed success
as the proprietor of Villarreal Chicharrones; and
WHEREAS, Since leaving office, Mr. Aranda has served as
special projects coordinator for the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of
Texas, and he is a board member of the tribe's Housing Authority,
Kickapoo Empire, L.L.C., and Kickapoo Community Development
Corporation; through the years, he has also served as a member of
the State Community Development Review Committee, as a board member
of the Texas Political Subdivisions Insurance Pool, as a voting
member of the Region M Rio Grande Water Planning Group, and in a
number of other leadership roles; and
WHEREAS, Pepe Aranda has made a lasting, positive difference
in Maverick County, and he may indeed take pride in his many
noteworthy contributions as county judge; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby honor Jose A. "Pepe" Aranda, Jr., for his
service as Maverick County judge 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. Aranda as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.