By: Gallego H.C.R. No. 16 73R2708 BNL-D CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, Judge Tom Connor retired from his position as county 1-2 judge on December 31, 1992, after serving the people of Brewster 1-3 County with honor and distinction in that post for 10 years; and 1-4 WHEREAS, After serving his country in the United States Navy, 1-5 Judge Connor enjoyed a 34-year career as a government professor at 1-6 Sul Ross State University before he was elected to the office of 1-7 county judge; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Despite a crushing increase in the number of federal 1-9 and state mandates over the last decade, Judge Connor helped the 1-10 commissioners court adhere to a policy of sound fiscal management 1-11 and conservative spending and thereby avoid budget and service 1-12 crises that have plagued many counties and cities across the 1-13 nation; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Under the expert guidance of this innovative leader, 1-15 Brewster County implemented a county unit road system that has 1-16 become a model for other counties in the area; this system has 1-17 improved the quality of local roads while actually saving money in 1-18 the long run; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Always concerned about the health and welfare of the 1-20 people of his community, this dedicated public servant helped to 1-21 establish a hospital district that created a stable source of 1-22 income for local health care providers and ensured that Brewster 1-23 County residents will have access to necessary medical help well 1-24 into the future; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Judge Connor also recognized the importance of 2-2 preserving his region's unique historical heritage; he helped to 2-3 coordinate the construction and renovation efforts performed on the 2-4 county courthouse building, efforts that will allow future 2-5 generations to maintain a link to the past; and 2-6 WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, this respected 2-7 civic leader never lost sight of taxpayers' best interests; during 2-8 his tenure as the county's top administrative official, he helped 2-9 to initiate a half-cent sales tax, which keeps property taxes low, 2-10 and supported a system of line item budgets; and 2-11 WHEREAS, Judge Connor has admirably served his fellow 2-12 citizens for 10 years, and his distinguished leadership will be 2-13 sorely missed by both his colleagues and his constituents; he has 2-14 contributed greatly to the betterment of his community, and his 2-15 numerous professional accomplishments and civic contributions are 2-16 indeed worthy of special recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-17 RESOLVED, That the 73rd Legislature of the State of Texas 2-18 hereby commend Judge Tom Connor for his many years of service to 2-19 the people of Brewster County and extend warmest best wishes for 2-20 many more years of continued success and happiness; and, be it 2-21 further 2-22 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-23 prepared for Judge Connor as an expression of high regard by the 2-24 Legislature of the State of Texas.