September 1st, 2008
Before I talk about the upcoming challenge I face in November, I want to pause and honor the hard work of our teachers and nurses, our police officers, fire fighters and first responders, our soldiers and border patrol agents, our farmers and ranchers, our civil servants and mail carriers, and our neighbors who get up each day and work the line.
Today, on Labor Day, we celebrate the extraordinary Texans who put in an honest day’s work for an honest day’s wage. Thank you for a job well done, and Happy Labor Day.
read more…
Posted in Notes
August 9th, 2008
This weekend marked the 2nd biennial reunion of the Peña, Cano, Durán & Lugo families in Fort Stockton. It brought family members from near (Fort Stockton, Monahans, Midland) & far (Arizona, California, Colorado). Juan-Paz Peña & his wife, Patti, were the driving forces behind the reunion.
The reunion was an opportunity to meet new people and see old friends like several members of the Espino, Nuñez, Urías & Gonzalez clans. It was great to see my mother, Elena Peña Gallego, enjoying her evening and chatting away with many old friends. However, the most fun part of my evening came in watching my three-year old son reign as undisputed king of the dance floor.
read more…
Posted in Notes
August 9th, 2008
Friday morning saw the beginning of something big in Pecos: Paradise Plaza. It’s a $10 million investment that’s the first major addition to the Pecos commercial landscape in decades.
To be built in two phases, Paradise Plaza will initially include a 65-room three-story hotel, a sports bar and grill, and a four venue food court. The second phase will include a family entertainment center with a theater, bowling alley, arcade and several shops. An additional hotel might also be part of Phase II.
read more…
Posted in Events
July 28th, 2008
Friday & Saturday brought people from all over Texas to Fort Davis & The University of Texas McDonald Observatory ( http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/) as the Observatory hosted its annual Board of Visitors meeting. Scientists, donors, teachers and friends gathered to learn about the state of the Observatory and to get a glimpse of the research currently being done.
The Board of Visitors is made up of many people from many professions. They are Republicans and Democrats, Libertarians and Independents, liberals and conservatives. They are West Texans and East Texans. North Texans and South Texans. However, the board is bound together in a common cause: the well-being of McDonald Observatory and the advancement of science. It’s a great organization because it shows all of us what can happen when people focus on what they have in common - instead of their differences.
read more…
Posted in Notes
July 28th, 2008
One of the most fun parts of a campaign is the opportunity to participate in parades. The best part of a parade is the chance to see the faces of the little kids who are watching. Children are truly amazing and fun! And, July has been a great month for parades.
On July 4th, Nicolas, Maria Elena & I participated in the annual Independence Day parade in Del Rio. It was a wonderful & friendly crowd. Maria Elena & I to have come to know so many people in Del Rio over the course of my service in the Texas House. Nicolas, too, loved waiving at the other 3 year olds in the crowd. An added plus: For the first time in my memory, the weather in Del Rio was actually quite cool on the 4th. It even rained some!
read more…
Posted in Events
