TITLE: In memory of Richard Moya.

SUMMARY: In memory of Richard Moya.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Richard Moya, who died on February 16, 2017, at the age of 84; and WHEREAS, Richard Moya was a groundbreaking public servant whose commitment to progress and racial equality served as an inspiration to generations of Hispanics in the City of Austin and throughout Travis County; and WHEREAS, Richard Moya was born on August 14, 1932, to Pete and Bertha Moya; he grew up in East Austin and attended Metz Elementary School, Allan Junior High School, and Austin High School; he served in the United States Army during the Korean War; and WHEREAS, He and his beloved wife, Gertrude, enjoyed 65 years of marriage together; they were blessed with a son, the late Danny Moya, and a daughter, Lori Moya, and with three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of much pride and joy for him; and WHEREAS, Mr. Moya worked in the printing business as a union pressman, and in 1970, he became the first Hispanic to be elected to public office in Travis County; he served the citizens of Precinct 4 with distinction for 16 years as a member of the Travis County Commissioners Court; and WHEREAS, His election campaign drew on the support of a coalition of Mexican American organizations and of a group of striking furniture workers, whose struggle for fair pay and workers' rights had galvanized the East Austin community; and WHEREAS, Over the course of his service on the commissioners court, Mr. Moya worked tirelessly to reform the county's welfare and hiring policies; he advocated adding a child abuse unit to the district attorney's office and played an important role in improving emergency services, mental health services, and road maintenance for the county; and WHEREAS, He was a prominent figure in an alliance of Hispanic community leaders and elected officials that included Austin mayor Gus Garcia, state senator Gonzalo Barrientos, and Austin City Council member John Trevi o; he went on to serve as a deputy chief of staff to Governor Ann Richards, and afterwards, he pursued a number of business ventures; and WHEREAS, Throughout his time in public service, he was known for his accessibility to voters, his willingness to compromise, his charismatic personality, and his great humor in the face of racial discrimination and animosity; and WHEREAS, A man of courage and strength who touched the lives of many, he gave unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, his generous spirit, and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be forgotten; and WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and countless friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Richard Moya; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Richard Moya. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 22, 2017, by a rising vote.