SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 232
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize Andrew R. Melontree on the occasion of the Appreciation 
Banquet which is being held in his honor on March 1, 2003; and
	WHEREAS, Andrew Melontree is a native of Marlin, Texas;
he graduated from Texas College in 1952 and from Texas Southern 
University School of Law in 1974; and
	WHEREAS, Andrew is well known for his outstanding work with 
the Smith County Commissioners Court; he was elected Smith County 
Commissioner in 1982 and was the first African American to be 
elected to the court since Reconstruction; he served until 
December of 2002; and
	WHEREAS, A highly respected community leader,
Andrew Melontree contributed greatly to the betterment of
Smith County during his tenure with the Smith County Commissioners 
Court; his many accomplishments included securing a major grant 
for needed sewer and water system improvements and ensuring the 
provision of state funds to support the retraining of more than 
1,200 local Kelly Tire plant workers; and
	WHEREAS, In 1992, he organized a committee to monitor 
existing and proposed plans for the redistricting of voting 
precincts in Smith County, which resulted in a positive change 
for previously underrepresented African American citizens; in 
2001, he fought for fair minority representation for North Tyler 
during the redistricting process; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to serving as a county commissioner, 
he was appointed by Governor Mark White to the Texas Southern 
University Board of Regents, where he served from 1983 to 1989; 
Governor Ann Richards appointed him to the Texas Higher Education 
Coordinating Board, where he served from 1991 to 1997; and
	WHEREAS, An exemplary gentleman, Andrew Melontree has been 
a source of strength to countless Smith County citizens, and he 
deserves recognition for his outstanding leadership and his many 
accomplishments; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby commend Andrew R. Melontree for
his dedication and loyal service on behalf of the people of
Smith County and the State of Texas and extend best wishes to
him for the future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                           West 
                                                                           Ellis




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on February 24, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate