By Woolley                                              H.R. No. 36
       74R3413 PFG-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, It is indeed an honor for the members of the Texas
    1-2  House of Representatives to pay tribute to our esteemed former
    1-3  colleague, Ashley Smith, for 14 years of outstanding legislative
    1-4  service as a member of this chamber; and
    1-5        WHEREAS, A successful attorney by profession, this popular
    1-6  seven-term legislator served the people of this state with great
    1-7  diligence and skill after first winning election to the 67th
    1-8  Legislature in 1981 and earned the lasting respect and admiration
    1-9  of his fellow lawmakers; and
   1-10        WHEREAS, A native Houstonian himself, he tirelessly sought to
   1-11  preserve the interests of his Harris County constituents in
   1-12  District 136, garnering recognition as one of the key members of
   1-13  that county's delegation, while promoting worthwhile legislation of
   1-14  benefit to all Texans; and
   1-15        WHEREAS, During his accomplished tenure in the house,
   1-16  Mr. Smith provided adroit leadership as the chairman of a number of
   1-17  prominent committees, including the Higher Education Committee,
   1-18  Financial Institutions Committee, Science and Technology Committee,
   1-19  Government Organization Committee, and Calendars Committee; and
   1-20        WHEREAS, His numerous other assignments included valued
   1-21  membership on the Appropriations Committee and the Sunset Advisory
   1-22  Commission; and
   1-23        WHEREAS, Through his skilled committee work, this
   1-24  forward-looking public servant guided much significant legislation
    2-1  successfully through the legislative process, particularly in the
    2-2  vital areas of business and technology, where he authored measures
    2-3  creating the Texas Department of Commerce, the Texas Space
    2-4  Commission, and the 20 Year Plan for Science and Technology; and
    2-5        WHEREAS, A recognized leader in the Republican Party,
    2-6  Mr. Smith served as the vice chair of the House Republican Caucus
    2-7  and recently was honored by the Associated Republicans of Texas
    2-8  with the Hats Off Award for his laudable efforts in behalf of his
    2-9  party; and
   2-10        WHEREAS, In addition, this hardworking citizen is highly
   2-11  active in local affairs as a member of many worthwhile civic
   2-12  organizations and has received a host of well-deserved accolades
   2-13  over the years for his contributions to the Houston community; and
   2-14        WHEREAS, In 1993, he realized an especially meaningful
   2-15  personal goal by earning an L.L.M. degree in international law from
   2-16  the University of Houston Law School; this most recent academic
   2-17  achievement joins the bachelor's degree in economics he earned from
   2-18  The University of Texas at Austin in 1969 and the law degree he
   2-19  earned from The University of Texas School of Law in 1971; and
   2-20        WHEREAS, Throughout his many endeavors, this admirable
   2-21  citizen has enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Peggy, and
   2-22  the couple's beloved daughter, Margaret Louise; and
   2-23        WHEREAS, Ashley Smith served the people of Texas with the
   2-24  utmost integrity and dedication during his distinguished public
   2-25  service career, and in light of his many contributions, it is
   2-26  indeed fitting on this occasion that we honor this distinguished
   2-27  former lawmaker and friend; now, therefore, be it
    3-1        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
    3-2  Legislature hereby commend Ashley Smith for his excellent record of
    3-3  public service and extend sincere best wishes to him for his
    3-4  continued success and happiness in his future endeavors; and, be it
    3-5  further
    3-6        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
    3-7  prepared for Mr. Smith as an expression of highest regard by the
    3-8  Texas House of Representatives.