House Resolution 24

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE HONORABLE ROBBY ROBERTSON UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER TWENTY-FOUR YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS ATTALA COUNTY JUSTICE COURT JUDGE.

WHEREAS, The Honorable Robby Robertson, Justice Court Judge for the Western District of Attala County, Mississippi, retired on December 29, 2003, after twenty-four years on the bench; and

WHEREAS, Judge Robertson, while a political newcomer and a twenty-one-year-old business administration major, between his junior and senior years of study at Ole Miss, was first elected in 1979, defeating incumbent D.B. Ballard; and

WHEREAS, at the time of his election, there were five justice court seats, but by 1983, the number of judges across the state had been cut from 495 to 192, leaving Attala County with only two justice court judges; and

WHEREAS, after his first successful bid for office, Judge Robertson was elected to five additional terms, maintaining the family tradition of public service, following in the footsteps of his father, William Robertson, an alderman and county school board member in Sallis, and his grandfather, Dave Robertson, a county supervisor; and

WHEREAS, having tried thousands of cases and performing approximately 250 marriage ceremonies, Judge Robertson heeded the advice of a constituent after his first election: "The people entrust you to be the county's conscience ... be firm, but be fair"; and

WHEREAS, throughout the course of his public service as justice court judge, Judge Robertson, who also serves as organist and music director at Sallis Baptist Church, has enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Reba, a teacher at Ethel High School, and his daughter, Lauren, a nineteen-year-old sophomore at Mississippi College; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence in such outstanding Mississippians as Judge Robertson, whose contributions to the State of Mississippi and the citizens of Attala County have been monumental in providing justice and empowering his constituents to be prosperous and productive citizens of the community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Honorable Judge Robby Robertson upon his retirement after twenty-four years of service as Attala County Justice Court Judge and extend our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Judge Robertson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.