H.R. No. 806 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to pay 1-2 tribute to Mayor Jackson R. Hanks of Palestine, whose outstanding 1-3 vision and guidance have immeasurably enhanced the quality of life 1-4 for countless residents of that lovely East Texas city; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Now completing a distinguished tenure in office that 1-6 has spanned six years, this highly regarded gentleman has worked 1-7 diligently to lead the city through some difficult economic times, 1-8 and his vital contributions in the area of financial planning and 1-9 economic development resulted in the city attaining its first 1-10 balanced budget in a decade in 1992; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Mayor Hanks has additionally used his leadership 1-12 skills to attract new public and private sector industries to the 1-13 area; among the many prominent enterprises that have chosen sites 1-14 in Palestine during his tenure are the Wal-Mart Distribution Center 1-15 and Super Center, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice 1-16 2,000-bed jail holding facility, and the new 95-bed Memorial 1-17 Hospital facility; and 1-18 WHEREAS, This outstanding administrator has made 1-19 transportation a priority and his efforts in this regard have led 1-20 many crucial projects to fruition, including the completion of the 1-21 Loop 256 extension, the widening of the Highway 79 Trinity River 1-22 bridge to four lanes, and forthcoming improvements to Highway 19 1-23 leading to Athens and Highway 155 leading to Frankston, to name but 1-24 a few; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Other important achievements that have been realized 2-2 during Mayor Hanks's administration include an extension of the 2-3 runway at the local airport, which also received apron, taxiway, 2-4 and lighting improvements, completion of Veterans' Park, and 2-5 passage of a historical zoning ordinance by the city that will 2-6 greatly assist in preserving the rich heritage of the community for 2-7 future generations; and 2-8 WHEREAS, Mayor Hanks is a former executive director of the 2-9 East Texas Council of Governments and currently serves as president 2-10 of the Highway 19 Association; admired by all who know him, this 2-11 distinguished gentleman was recognized for his extensive 2-12 achievements in the area of transportation when he was named the 2-13 recipient of the prestigious Road Hand Award by the Texas 2-14 Department of Transportation; and 2-15 WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure as mayor, Jackson R. Hanks has 2-16 exemplified the highest standards of excellence, dedication, and 2-17 leadership; his hard work and commitment have profoundly influenced 2-18 the business and civic affairs of his community, and he is indeed 2-19 worthy of our highest praise and recognition for his extraordinary 2-20 achievements in this regard; now, therefore, be it 2-21 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-22 Legislature hereby honor Mayor Jackson R. Hanks of Palestine for 2-23 his exemplary accomplishments and contributions to that city and 2-24 extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and 2-25 happiness in the years to come; and, be it further 2-26 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-27 prepared for Mayor Hanks as an expression of high regard by the 3-1 Texas House of Representatives.