Vicente Gonzalez: “as the dean of the Texas delegation, it is a pleasure and a very great honor to introduce to the House our newest…”

“as the dean of the Texas delegation, it is a pleasure and a very great honor to introduce to the House our newest Member, the gentleman from Texas, Ciro D. Rodriguez. Not long ago, many of us mourned the tragic passing of our esteemed and loved colleague, Frank Tejeda. Yet, I think Frank would be happy to know that his work will be carried on by an individual like Ciro Rodriguez. Like Frank, Representative Rodriguez has quite substantial legislative experience; and like Frank, he is a lifelong resident of the city of San Antonio. The gentleman also has that same deep commitment to the community, that same attachment to the people that he serves, and so I think we have in him a most worthy successor. Ciro Rodriguez served in the House of Representatives of the great State of Texas for 10 years and was an honored and valued member of that body right up to the time of his departure for today's swearing in. He was dean of the county's delegation and served with distinction on many committees, most particularly those that were related to public education. He began his community service early. He was an educational consultant and he performed social work dealing with the problems of substance abuse and mental health concerns. He served on the local school board for 12 years before being elected to the Texas legislature. Mr. Speaker, Ciro Rodriguez brings to the House a deep knowledge of his community and long-seasoned experience in the House of Texas legislature.”