By Shields                                       H.R. No. 308

      75R7560 SAJ-D                           

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, Walter Stoneham is retiring as chief appraiser of

 1-2     Bexar County on April 30, 1997, drawing to a close a distinguished

 1-3     career in local government that has spanned 13 years; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, Mr. Stoneham earned a bachelor's degree in

 1-5     government from North Texas State College and a master's degree in

 1-6     government and public administration from Southern Methodist

 1-7     University; he began his professional career at the University of

 1-8     Virginia, where he published several monographs on state and local

 1-9     taxation; and

1-10           WHEREAS, Returning to San Antonio in 1961, he joined a

1-11     privately funded civic research group; he was named executive

1-12     director of the Research & Planning Council in 1965 and effectively

1-13     addressed a host of important issues during his 19 years of service

1-14     in that post; and

1-15           WHEREAS, Mr. Stoneham began his association with the Bexar

1-16     Appraisal District as a valuation analyst in 1984; well regarded

1-17     for his professionalism, expertise, and dedication, he was made

1-18     acting chief appraiser in less than three years and became chief

1-19     appraiser in 1988, in which capacity he has served his fellow

1-20     citizens with integrity and distinction for the past nine years;

1-21     and

1-22           WHEREAS, An acknowledged leader in his chosen field, he has

1-23     shared his knowledge and experience with countless others as an

1-24     instructor at San Antonio College for more than three decades and

 2-1     has further contributed to the area of public administration

 2-2     through numerous professional activities, including service in

 2-3     leadership positions with the Alamo Chapter of the Texas

 2-4     Association of Assessing Officers; and

 2-5           WHEREAS, Despite his many professional obligations,

 2-6     Mr. Stoneham has consistently made time in his busy schedule to

 2-7     work for the betterment of his community, and the organizations

 2-8     that have welcomed his involvement include the Boy Scouts of

 2-9     America, the American Heart Association, and the local chapters of

2-10     both Torch Clubs International and Toastmasters International; and

2-11           WHEREAS, Walter Stoneham's many outstanding contributions

2-12     have significantly benefited the State of Texas, and his

2-13     exceptional commitment is indeed deserving of special recognition

2-14     at this time; now, therefore, be it

2-15           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-16     Legislature hereby commend Walter Stoneham for his exemplary

2-17     service to the citizens of Bexar County and extend to him warmest

2-18     best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement; and, be it

2-19     further

2-20           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-21     prepared for Mr. Stoneham as an expression of high regard by the

2-22     Texas House of Representatives.