79R5510 MW-D

By:  Jones of Lubbock                                             H.R. No. 381



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Jerry D. Casstevens of Lubbock is retiring from the 
South Plains Association of Governments on February 28, 2005, 
drawing to a close an outstanding 25-year career with this notable 
organization; and
	WHEREAS, After graduating from Lubbock High School in 1960, 
Mr. Casstevens attended Texas Tech University, where he earned a 
bachelor of science degree in economics, and went on to receive his 
master's degree in economics from Hardin-Simmons University in 
1971; he continued to pursue his studies at the Public Executive 
Institute at The University of Texas at Austin and the Economic 
Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Casstevens served with distinction in the U.S. 
Air Force from 1964 to 1969, earning his wings as a navigator and 
flying as an electronic warfare officer on a B-52; after the 
service, he was employed with First National Bank in Abilene before 
working as director of planning with the West Central Texas Council 
of Governments and then as assistant to the director and deputy 
executive director for the East Texas Council of Governments; and
	WHEREAS, On September 11, 1979, Mr. Casstevens became the 
executive director of the South Plains Association of Governments; 
during his tenure, he reorganized the governing body structure to 
assure minority representation and helped to create the South 
Plains Economic Development District, Caprock Business Finance 
Corporation, and South Plains Housing Finance Corporation; Mr. 
Casstevens also played a vital role in establishing three revolving 
loan fund programs and was essential in the development of the law 
enforcement firing range, the creation and cosponsorship of the 
High Ground regional economic development marketing system, and the 
establishment of the rural rail transportation district; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to his professional contributions, Mr. 
Casstevens also remained active with numerous boards and 
organizations in the Lubbock community, including the Southwest 
Lubbock Rotary, the Texas City Management Association, the West 
Texas City Managers Association, and the Texas Association of 
Regional Councils; furthermore, he served as chairman of the Texas 
Tech Center for Public Service and worked with the Texas Economic 
Development Council and the Lubbock Reese Redevelopment Authority; 
and
	WHEREAS, This distinguished Texan has served the South Plains 
Association of Governments with integrity and dedication, earning 
the lasting respect of all who have been privileged to work with 
him, and it is appropriate to take this opportunity to recognize 
him; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Jerry D. Casstevens on the occasion 
of his retirement from the South Plains Association of Governments 
and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Casstevens as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.