By Staples                                             H.R. No. 806
       74R12081 PAN-D
                                  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.