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.