SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 226

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Judge Paul Pape, who is retiring as Bastrop County judge after three terms of exemplary public service; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of West Texas A&M University, Paul Pape began his service as Bastrop County judge in 2012 after winning the seat in a special election; Judge Pape won reelection in 2014 and 2018, and throughout his tenure, he has served the people of Bastrop County with dedication and honor; and

WHEREAS, Noted for his strong values and shrewd administration, Judge Pape has been diligent in fulfilling the duties of his role and in meeting the inevitable challenges of leadership and public service; under his guidance as county judge, the Bastrop County Commissioners Court lowered the property tax rate and increased support for law enforcement to protect Bastrop County citizens; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of Judge Pape's tenure, Bastrop County experienced six federally declared natural disasters, including devastating wildfires and floods; Judge Pape worked to provide resources and solutions to his constituents, and in the wake of the historic 2011 Bastrop County Complex Fire, he lobbied the legislature to set up a special appropriation to fund critical disaster recovery efforts; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his years of public service, Paul Pape is an ordained minister and a local business owner, and he serves as chair of the Capital Area Council of Governments and the Juvenile Probation Board; he is a devoted husband to his wife, Barb, and together they manage their ranch in Bastrop County, where they raise cattle and breed miniature horses; and

WHEREAS, A respected public official and an active member of his community, Judge Pape has served the citizens of Bastrop County with wisdom and integrity, and his many contributions as county judge have made a positive and lasting impact in Bastrop County and in the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby commend Paul Pape on his outstanding public service as Bastrop County judge and extend to him best wishes for success in all of his future endeavors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Eckhardt

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 28, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate