HJ881: Commending Walter Tejada.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 881

Offered February 12, 2013
Commending Walter Tejada.
Patron-- Lopez

WHEREAS, Walter Tejada, a distinguished leader in Arlington County, has loyally served the community as a 10-year member and the current chair of the Arlington County Board; and

WHEREAS, a native of El Salvador, Walter Tejada moved to the United States at the age of 13 and graduated from George Mason University; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his storied career, Walter Tejada has been an exemplary public servant at local, regional, state, and national levels; he has worked with a United States congressman and represented Arlington County and the region in various capacities; and

WHEREAS, first elected to the Arlington County Board in 2003, Walter Tejada has served as the vice chair and is currently in his second term as chair; and

WHEREAS, a firm believer in the importance of civic engagement, Walter Tejada helped establish the Community Volunteer Network, which encourages leadership among young adults, and the Shirlington Employment and Education Center, which provides opportunities for workers; and

WHEREAS, Walter Tejada served the Commonwealth in two governor-appointed positions, as a member of the Governor’s Urban Policy Task Force and as the first chair of the Virginia Latino Advisory Commission; and

WHEREAS, honoring the history and contributions of Latinos throughout the United States, Walter Tejada has worked with many organizations, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History Latino Advisory Council; and

WHEREAS, Walter Tejada has received many awards for his advocacy and leadership, including the Spirit of Community Award from the Arlington Community Foundation and the 2011 Immigrant Advocate of the Year Award from the Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights Coalition; and

WHEREAS, Walter Tejada and Dr. Emma Violand-Sanchez hold the distinction of being the first two Latinos to concurrently hold chair positions on the Arlington County Board and the School Board of Arlington Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Walter Tejada is committed to providing a strong voice for the diverse communities in Arlington County; he strives daily to strengthen the county and help ensure the success and well-being of its residents; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Walter Tejada for serving the public as a 10-year member and the current chair of the Arlington County Board; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Walter Tejada as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his ongoing dedication to the people of Arlington County.