86R9953 BPG-D
By: Canales H.C.R. No. 67
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Objective Watchers of the Legal System
organization has worked for decades to promote good government; and
WHEREAS, O.W.L.S. was founded in the 1970s by a small group
of citizens who were concerned for the well-being of women and
children whose abuse cases were being handled by the judicial
system in Hidalgo County; the group's members sought to learn more
about other branches of local government as well, and they began
calling public attention to concerns about unfairness,
questionable actions, and abuses of power by elected and appointed
government officials; and
WHEREAS, Members of O.W.L.S. have served as a voice for their
fellow South Texas residents, addressing school boards, city
commissions and councils, county commissioners courts, regional
mobility authorities, and other governmental bodies; moreover,
they have also raised issues with the Texas Legislature and with the
United States Congress; and
WHEREAS, Champions of the ideals enshrined in the
U.S. Constitution, the members of the group strive to protect that
document's guarantees of personal rights and freedoms and its clear
limitations on government power; in addition, they promote
transparency and serve as staunch advocates for the Texas Public
Information Act and the Texas Open Meetings Act; and
WHEREAS, Citizen engagement is vital in a democratic society,
and the members of O.W.L.S. have set a sterling example for others
through their steadfast commitment to responsible and responsive
government; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby honor the Objective Watchers of the Legal System
organization for its dedicated work in South Texas and extend to the
group's members sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives and Senate.