By: Gallego H.R. No. 2805
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Honorable Laura Allen and the Honorable Pat Cole
are ably serving the people of Val Verde County as county judge and
justice of the peace; and
WHEREAS, Presently in her first term of office, Judge Allen
began her tenure in January 2011, following her election the
previous November as the first female county judge in Val Verde
County history; previously, Judge Allen also served as Val Verde
County Commissioner for Precinct 3, becoming the first woman to
ever serve on the Val Verde County Commissioners' Court; and
WHEREAS, in one of her first official duties, Judge Allen had
the pleasure and privilege of administering the oath of office to
her mother, The Honorable Pat Cole, who was elected as justice of
the peace for Precinct 3 in Val Verde County on the same day that her
daughter was elected county judge; and
WHEREAS, Prior to her election as justice of the peace, Judge
Cole had previously served with honor and distinction as a member of
the Del Rio City Council, in which role Judge Cole put a premium on
collaboration, seeking to ensure that all viewpoints were heard and
that the best ideas are explored; and
WHEREAS, Together, Judge Allen and Judge Cole were in large
part responsible for the establishment and organization of the
modern day Republican Party in Val Verde County, infusing the party
with new energy and enthusiasm; and
WHEREAS, Judge Allen and Judge Cole may be the only mother-
daughter team to hold judicial offices in the same county, and they
take inspiration from each other's work and success and take pride
in serving the greater Val Verde community with respect, dignity,
and distinction; and
WHEREAS, The significant contributions of Judge Laura Allen
and Judge Pat Cole serve as examples for women everywhere, they are
helping to make Val Verde County an even better place in which to
live, and they are to be commended for their dedicated efforts on
behalf of their fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby honor Judge Laura Allen and Judge Pat Cole on
their notable public service and extend to them sincere best wishes
for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Judge Allen and Judge Cole as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.