By Wilson H.R. No. 307 74R6816 KMP-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The members of the Texas House of Representatives 1-2 take special pleasure in honoring a former colleague, the Honorable 1-3 Robert Eckels, whose legislative service concluded when he assumed 1-4 the office of Harris County judge; and 1-5 WHEREAS, This outstanding Texan was graduated from the 1-6 University of Houston in 1979, and only three years later was 1-7 elected state representative from District 133; 1-8 WHEREAS, From 1983 to 1994 Mr. Eckels served his constituents 1-9 in Harris County with integrity and distinction during six terms as 1-10 a member of the house of representatives; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Demonstrating extraordinary dedication to solving 1-12 our state's most pressing social and financial problems, Judge 1-13 Eckels was renowned for his ability to inject calmness and 1-14 rationality into even the most tempestuous debates; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Also blessed with the singular ability to build 1-16 consensus, this exceptional public servant helped to make the 1-17 legislative process more efficient and effective during his tenure; 1-18 an expert at reaching compromise on tough issues, ranging from 1-19 finance to environmental regulation, he won support from members of 1-20 both parties and was the first Republican to serve as chair of the 1-21 Harris County legislative delegation; and 1-22 WHEREAS, This fine legislator achieved prominence as the 1-23 chairman of the County Affairs Committee, and, as a member of the 1-24 Law Enforcement, Insurance, Judiciary, Calendars, State Affairs, 2-1 and Environmental Regulation Committees, he gained invaluable 2-2 insight and experience dealing with the key issues that he now 2-3 faces each day as a judge in one of the nation's most populous 2-4 counties; and 2-5 WHEREAS, In addition to his work as a legislator, Judge 2-6 Eckels has made many notable contributions toward making the city 2-7 of Houston a better place in which to live and do business; he has 2-8 given generously of his time and expertise to making the Houston 2-9 Livestock Show and Rodeo one of our state's most successful civic 2-10 events and has displayed compassion for his fellow Texans as a 2-11 director of the Alzheimers Association of Houston; and 2-12 WHEREAS, Held in great esteem by his friends, constituents, 2-13 and former colleagues, Mr. Eckels has set an example of citizenship 2-14 and service to his state, and his civic and legislative 2-15 achievements are indeed deserving of special recognition; now, 2-16 therefore, be it 2-17 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-18 Legislature hereby commend the Honorable Robert Eckels for his many 2-19 significant contributions to Harris County and the State of Texas 2-20 and extend to him warmest best wishes for continued success and 2-21 happiness in his future endeavors; and, be it further 2-22 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-23 prepared for Judge Eckels as an expression of highest appreciation 2-24 and esteem by his former colleagues in the Texas House of 2-25 Representatives.