TITLE: Congratulating the Honorable James E. Barden on his retirement as Medina County judge.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Honorable James E. Barden on his retirement as Medina County judge.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Medina County judge James E. Barden retired on December 31, 2014, concluding more than a decade of exemplary service to his fellow citizens; and WHEREAS, After graduating with both a bachelor of business administration degree and a juris doctor degree from The University of Texas at Austin, Jim Barden operated a private practice for three years and went on to enjoy a career in corporate law spanning three decades at Southwestern Bell and AT&T, where he was eventually promoted to vice president of law and government affairs; and WHEREAS, Elected county judge in 2002, Judge Barden ably managed the county budget, bolstered subdivision rules and regulations, and assisted in the acquisition of new government office space by purchasing and renovating existing buildings; he also supported the foundation stabilization project for the county courthouse and helped the Medina County Nutrition Program gain nonprofit status; and WHEREAS, Long committed to the betterment of his community, this dynamic Texan previously served with distinction for seven years as mayor of his hometown of Hondo, and he has given generously of his time and talents as a trustee of the Hill Country Mental Health Developmental Disabilities Centers and as a member of the board of directors of the Alamo Area Council of Governments and the Alamo Area Development Corporation; and WHEREAS, Retirement will afford Judge Barden the opportunity to spend more time with his treasured family, including his wife of 57 years, Bebe Barden, and his four children and seven grandchildren, as well as to indulge in his favorite leisure activities of ranching, hunting, fishing, and reading; and WHEREAS, Judge Barden has made a positive difference in the lives of countless Medina County residents, and his dedication, leadership, and public spirit will be a continuing source of inspiration in the years ahead; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Honorable James E. Barden on his retirement as Medina County judge 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 Judge Barden as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Murr Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1739 was adopted by the House on May 7, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House