TITLE: Recognizing Leopoldo "Polo" Palacios on the occasion of his retirement.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Leopoldo "Polo" Palacios on the occasion of his retirement.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Leopoldo "Polo" Palacios, who is retiring as mayor of Pharr after more than three decades of outstanding public service on behalf of the city; and WHEREAS, Polo Palacios began his career in public service in 1985 when he was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Pharr City Commission; during his time as commissioner, he played a pivotal role in Pharr's annexation of the Las Milpas area; due to the annexation, more than 20,000 people were provided with such basic needs as clean water, sewage service, and safe electricity; and WHEREAS, A graduate of The University of Texas--Pan American and a longtime social worker, Mr. Palacios was elected mayor of Pharr in 2002; under his leadership, the city earned numerous honors and awards, including designation as an All-America City, a Preserve America City, and a Texas Main Street City; and WHEREAS, He played a significant role in the vision and decision-making that went into the construction and permitting of the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge and served as a member of its board; he also has been a member of the Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council; and WHEREAS, A leading South Texas citizen, he is respected and admired by people throughout the Rio Grande Valley, and his presence as mayor of Pharr will be greatly missed; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby commend Leopoldo Palacios on his outstanding service to the people of Pharr as city commissioner and as mayor and extend to him best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of high esteem from the Texas Senate. Lucio President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 26, 2015.