By: Driver H.C.R. No. 63 73R4900 BNL-D CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The Garland Chamber of Commerce recently honored 1-2 Charles Matthews with the prestigious Tall Texan Award in 1-3 recognition of his numerous contributions to the betterment of the 1-4 Garland community; and 1-5 WHEREAS, This esteemed civic leader began serving the people 1-6 of Garland in the 1960s as one of the founders and organizers of 1-7 the Garland YMCA; he served on the board of that organization for 1-8 eight years, acting as chairman for two years, before taking a 1-9 position on the board of the Metropolitan Dallas YMCA; and 1-10 WHEREAS, He further served the young people of his community 1-11 through his work on the Circle 10 Council of the Boy Scouts of 1-12 America; he also was instrumental in the establishment of the 1-13 Leadership Garland program and helped to ensure its success by 1-14 working as an instructor during the early years of the program; and 1-15 WHEREAS, In 1979, the Garland City Council appointed this 1-16 fine gentleman to represent the city on the Texas Municipal Power 1-17 Authority board of directors; he executed the duties of this post 1-18 with distinction and was chosen to serve as president of that 1-19 organization for 1982 and 1983; and 1-20 WHEREAS, The people of Garland recognized Mr. Matthews for 1-21 his extraordinary abilities and initiative and elected him mayor 1-22 from 1984 to 1986; one of the many highlights of his term as mayor 1-23 was his leadership of a delegation of more than 200 public 1-24 officials and citizens who traveled to Austin and successfully 2-1 encouraged the highway department to approve State Highway 190; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Governor Bill Clements appointed this distinguished 2-3 civic leader to a six-year term on the Texas Turnpike Authority, 2-4 and his commendable work with that organization included terms as 2-5 vice-chairman and finance committee chairman; his dedication and 2-6 expertise soon won him great renown as one of the region's foremost 2-7 transportation experts; and 2-8 WHEREAS, A longtime supporter of the Garland Chamber of 2-9 Commerce, Mr. Matthews served as its chairman in 1990; under his 2-10 dynamic leadership, the chamber formed the Garland Economic 2-11 Development Council, which has emerged as a leading force in 2-12 bringing economic growth to the city; and 2-13 WHEREAS, A respected member of the Lions Club, a founder and 2-14 past president of the Lakeside Rotary Club, and a Paul Harris 2-15 Fellow, this remarkable individual has tirelessly served his fellow 2-16 Texans; Mr. Matthews has generously contributed his time and talent 2-17 to many worthwhile causes that have benefited the people of his 2-18 community, and his admirable efforts are truly deserving of special 2-19 legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-20 RESOLVED, That the 73rd Legislature of the State of Texas 2-21 hereby commend Charles Matthews for his outstanding commitment to 2-22 community service and extend to him warmest congratulations on the 2-23 well-deserved honor of receiving the 1992 Tall Texan Award from the 2-24 Garland Chamber of Commerce; and, be it further 2-25 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-26 prepared for Mr. Matthews as an expression of high regard by the 2-27 Legislature of the State of Texas.