79S31527 MMS-D

By:  Taylor                                                       H.R. No. 491



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Ronald E. Cox stepped down as city manager of 
Friendswood on April 30, 2006, after devoting many years of stellar 
service to the people of that community; and
	WHEREAS, Since 1990, when Mr. Cox took the reins as 
Friendswood city manager, the population of that city has increased 
by approximately 50 percent; to meet the demands posed by that 
dramatic growth, he has brought to bear an array of remarkable 
talents, coupled with broad experience, seasoned judgment, and an 
unsurpassed dedication to public service; and
	WHEREAS, Among the projects and programs he has overseen have 
been the development and implementation of the city's Vision 2020 
strategic plan, the inception and advancement of the city's 
economic development program, the planning for the new public 
safety building, the planning and construction of the new city hall 
and public library, and the renovation of the old library for use as 
a senior citizens center; and
	WHEREAS, In addition, he has played an instrumental role in 
improving and expanding the city's recreational facilities, and he 
has helped to secure additional surface water capacity and the 
construction of a second surface water distribution system; and
	WHEREAS, A 1972 graduate of Abilene Christian University, 
Mr. Cox earned a master's degree from The University of Texas at 
Tyler in 1981; he began his career as a staff member with the Brazos 
Valley Development Council and subsequently worked for the East 
Texas Council of Governments; before coming to Friendswood, he 
served as city manager of Rusk, Center, and Kilgore; and
	WHEREAS, At the behest of Governor Bill Clements, this 
esteemed Texan served on the board of trustees of the Texas 
Municipal Retirement System from 1990 to 1993; he also served on the 
board of trustees of the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental 
Risk Pool from 1986 to 1991; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Cox has been an active member of many 
professional organizations, including the International City 
Management Association and Texas City Management Association; his 
involvement in the TCMA includes service as president of the 
statewide organization, as president of two of its regions, and as a 
member of its board of directors; and
	WHEREAS, Held in the highest esteem by his peers, Mr. Cox was 
recognized in 2005 with the prestigious TCMA Lifetime Achievement 
Award; and
	WHEREAS, With 28 years' experience in managing city services, 
Mr. Cox is now embarking on a career as a municipal consultant, 
specializing in the areas of leadership and development; while 
affording him an opportunity to share his expertise and insights 
with others, his new work may also allow him to spend more time with 
his family, which includes his wife of 33 years, Susan Cox, their 
children, Emily and Tim, and their granddaughter, Courtney; and
	WHEREAS, Ron Cox has long served his fellow Texans with the 
utmost integrity, ability, and devotion, and it is the great 
fortune of citizens of this state that he will continue to guide and 
mentor others; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby honor Ronald E. Cox on the 
occasion of his retirement as city manager of Friendswood and 
extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success in the years 
ahead; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Cox as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.