Houston Democrats

From the Austin-American Statesman:

Rep. Joe Moreno killed in accident

Rep. Rafael Anchilla, staff member of third representative hurt in one-car crash in Fayette County

Texas State Rep. Joe Ernest Moreno was killed early today in a one-car accident on Texas 71 in Fayette County; a second state representative and the chief of a staff for a third representative were seriously injured.

Texas Department of Public Safety officials said Moreno, D-Houston, died around 2 a.m. at the scene of the accident between Ellinger and LaGrange.

State Rep. Rafael Anchia, 36, D-Dallas, was taken to Brackenridge Hospital with non life-threatening injuries, officials said.

Monica Lisa Pinon, 28, who is the chief of staff for State Rep. Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, was also taken to Brackenridge Hospital with broken bones. She reportedly is in fair condition.

DPS investigators said the 2004 pickup truck that Moreno was driving was headed west of Texas 71 when it left the road. The driver apparently over-corrected and entered a ditch, when the truck rolled over several times.

From the Texas Democratic Party:

Texas Mourns the Tragic Death of Representative Joe E. Moreno (D-Houston)

Family and colleagues were shocked by the tragic death of State Representative Joe Ernest Moreno (D-Houston) early this morning in a traffic accident between Houston and Austin. Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas) and Chief of Staff to Rep. Joe Pickett (D-El Paso) Monica Lisa Piñon were injured in the accident as well. Today, the Texas House of Representatives adjourned early in memory of Representative Moreno and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus is holding a memorial mass in Austin.

Representative Moreno leaves behind a loving family which includes his mother and father, Alice and Frank Moreno; his brother Mario and sister-in-law Margot; sister Sarah Blancett; nephews Drake, Andrew, Matthew and Taylor; and grandmother Olivia Moreno. Alice Moreno is the principal at Berry Elementary.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Moreno’s colleagues are in mourning, saying:

“Joe Moreno was our friend--a friend who fought with a smile and a passion for his family, his community, and the hard-working men and women of Texas.

“Joe lived every moment of his life, and he lived to help others have the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest. He was a champion for Houston’s East Side and all those whose needs are too often overlooked in the halls of power. Joe was a big man with a big heart who fought with a big smile and an unyielding spirit to improve the lives of the people he represented.

“In his community, Joe worked with volunteer organizations to make health care available for all families. In the Capitol, he led a successful effort to create jobs by opening up the Port of Houston to allow it to become an international coffee exchange port, creating thousands of jobs. And even this week, he was fighting for clean air, better schools, and access to health care for the people of the East Side.

“We stand here today for Joe - dedicated and committed to carrying on in his indomitable spirit and belief that we can make Texas a better for all families.”

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Charles E. Soechting said:

"Texas Democrats are saddened by the tragic death early this morning of our friend, Joe Moreno. ”Joe represented Houston's east end with integrity and aplomb. His deeply rooted commitment to mainstream values made his constituents proud and embodied what his party stands for. Our prayers are with his friends and family."

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Joe E. Moreno was born in Houston, Texas on August 12, 1964. The first of three children, Joe Moreno grew to love his community and the Houston area. He graduated from St. Thomas High School, and later attended the University of St. Thomas and Texas Southern University. He was elected in November 1998 to serve in the Texas Legislature from House District 143.

As a long-time activist in helping to improve his community, Representative Moreno was involved for many years in the Resurrection Catholic Church, Harris County Tejano Democrats, and the League of United Latin American Citizens Council Number Sixty. He also served as Harris County Precinct Judge for Precinct 62. During his tenure as a Legislator, Representative Moreno received various awards, including "Legislator of the Year 2003" from Justice of the Peace and Constables Association. He received the outstanding legislator award from Coalition of Texans with Disabilities in 1999 and an appreciation award from East Harris County Manufacturing Association in 2001. Other appreciation awards include the Annual Houston Gulf Coast Chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement award in 2002 and an appreciation and participation award from the Hispanic Contractors Association Greater Houston Area Inc. in 1999. In 2003 he received the Legislative Hero award from Harris County Democrats.

Representative Moreno considered it a privilege and honor to serve the residents of District 143 and used his experience in the Legislature to provide the highest level of representation for the people of Southeast Harris County. Representative Moreno was a resident of Denver Harbor and represented Magnolia, Manchester, Jacinto City, Galena Park, and parts of Pasadena and North Shore.

The thoughts and prayers of the Texas Democratic Party are with Rep. Moreno’s family tonight, and we hope for a speedy recovery for those injured in the accident as well.

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www.txdemocrats.org