TITLE: Congratulating Gustavo L. "Gus" Garcia on his selection by the Austin History Center as a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Gustavo L. "Gus" Garcia on his selection by the Austin History Center as a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Gustavo L. Garcia was recognized by the Austin History Center in conjunction with its exhibit Mexican American Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County;and WHEREAS, Honoring the important contributions made by Mexican Americans to Central Texas, the Austin History Center and its association joined with the Austin Public Library to organize the show, which ran from August 21, 2010, through January 16, 2011; Mexican American Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County celebrated the pioneering achievements of 32 remarkable men and women and provided the public with an opportunity to learn more about their lives; and WHEREAS, One such individual, Gus Garcia, was honored for his achievements in politics; a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, Mr. Garcia was the first Mexican American elected to the board of the Austin Independent School District and served as its president during his second term in office, and he also served as a trustee of Austin Community College; in the 1990s, he served three terms on the Austin City Council and became the first incumbent in its history to run for reelection unopposed; he was the first Mexican American to be elected mayor of Austin in 2001; and WHEREAS, Deeply committed to civic life, Mr. Garcia has worked diligently on behalf of his fellow citizens for more than three decades; he was a charter member of the Human Relations Commission during the Civil Rights era and served as president of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, among other leadership roles; his numerous accolades include the Humanitarian Award from the Martin Luther King Association and the LULAC Award for Political Involvement and Education; moreover, Gus Garcia Middle School and the Gus Garcia Recreation Center are both named in his honor; and WHEREAS, Gus Garcia has made a positive difference in his community, and his outstanding accomplishments are a source of pride and inspiration to many people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Gustavo L. "Gus" Garcia on his selection as a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County 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. Garcia as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Rodriguez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 728 was adopted by the House on March 17, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House