TITLE: Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the election of Mike Munoz, Humberto Saenz Jr., and Santiago "Jimmy" Martinez to the Beeville City Council.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the election of Mike Munoz, Humberto Saenz Jr., and Santiago "Jimmy" Martinez to the Beeville City Council.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Mike Munoz, Humberto Saenz Jr., and Santiago "Jimmy" Martinez in honor of the 50th anniversary of their election to the Beeville City Council; and WHEREAS, Mike Munoz and Jimmy Martinez were elected to the Beeville City Council in 1970 and joined recently elected Humberto Saenz to create the first Hispanic majority on the council; these exemplary public servants each went on to lead rewarding and productive careers in service to the City of Beeville and Bee County, and they have each made a positive impact on the communities they serve and on the lives of Bee County residents; and WHEREAS, Following the 1970 city council election, Humberto Saenz was appointed mayor, and together, these three dedicated community advocates began working to ensure that all citizens of Beeville would be provided with such essential infrastructure and public services as paved streets, clean water, sewer and drainage systems, safe housing, and street lights; and WHEREAS, Humberto Saenz served the citizens of Beeville with distinction as the city's first Hispanic mayor, and he later served as a city employee from 1988 until his retirement in 2017; and WHEREAS, Mike Munoz served two terms of office as a member of the city council from 1970 to 1974, and he served as a building inspection official for the city's Community Development Department for 27 years; and WHEREAS, Jimmy Martinez went on to serve honorably as county judge for Bee County for many years; his commitment to public service never wavered, despite attempts to intimidate and discredit him by his adversaries and local media; and WHEREAS, Mike Munoz, Humberto Saenz, and Jimmy Martinez were elected at a time when members of the Hispanic community faced formidable obstacles in the effort to seek representation and make their voices heard; their historic election to the city council paved the way for others to follow, and their notable achievements have set an admirable example of leadership and community advocacy; and WHEREAS, It is truly fitting that they receive special recognition for their inspiring accomplishments and commitment to public service in honor of the 50th anniversary of their historic election; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby commend Mike Munoz, Humberto Saenz Jr., and Jimmy Martinez on their outstanding contributions to the people of Beeville and Bee County and pay tribute to them in recognition of the 50th anniversary of their election to the Beeville City Council; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for them as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Zaffirini President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 21, 2021.