House Concurrent Resolution 3

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE THAT MAYOR GREG BUTLER PROVIDED AS MAYOR OF THE CITY OF MORTON UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Greg Butler, the Mayor of the City of Morton, Mississippi, and community leader extraordinaire, is retiring on June 30, 2017, after selflessly dedicating 16 years of illustrious service and competent guidance to the wonderful people of the Morton community; and

WHEREAS, a 1975 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor of science degree in political science, Mayor Butler earned a law degree from West Coast School of Law in 2008 and holds certifications in municipal government and economic development as well as training program certificates with the Mississippi Rural Water Association, the State Fire Academy, FEMA, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Homeland Security; and

WHEREAS, after working in various managerial positions for B.C. Rogers Poultry, which later became Koch Foods, for 25 years, he assumed the role of Mayor of the City of Morton with years of invaluable experience under his belt, and he utilized that training and expertise to serve the role of mayor with efficiency and effectiveness for four successful terms; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Butler's four terms in office can be characterized as prosperous and award winning, as the area along Highway 13 South around Interstate 20 has experienced an economic boom complete with new businesses, a new distribution center and a new prepared foods plant that have brought 1,000 new jobs to Morton; business has grown in the downtown area along Highway 80, increasing the sales tax revenue to the city by approximately 30 percent; and Morton has received numerous awards and accolades in the areas of economic development, beautification, health, public safety, recreation and public works; and

WHEREAS, the leadership of Mayor Butler was not just confined to the Morton community but extended on a statewide basis as well as with beneficial presence on the Mississippi Municipal League (MML) Executive Committee, MML Board of Directors and as Chairman of the MML Legislative Committee as well as the Mid-Mississippi Development District, Mississippi Municipal Service Company and Scott Regional Hospital; and

WHEREAS, throughout his illustrious career, Mayor Butler has received glowing support from his wife, Rhonda, and their three wonderful children and five grandchildren, who are truly the apple of his eye; and

WHEREAS, after 16 years of mayoral service to the people of Morton, retirement will surely leave an insatiable void for governing and mingling with Mississippi's finest in the heart of Mayor Butler, but he is overjoyed to spend time with his family and friends, continue to serve on the boards for Scott Regional Hospital, Morton Healthy Hometown Committee and Keep Morton Beautiful Committee, volunteer for several church committees at Morton United Methodist Church, and reflect on the countless number of remarkable people that have touched his life throughout his 16-year career as the Mayor of the City of Morton; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the tireless devotion to the betterment of Mississippi and honor the ardent vow to impeccable public service that Mr. Greg Butler bestowed to the citizens of Mississippi as Mayor of the City of Morton:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the distinguished career and meritorious leadership and service that Mayor Greg Butler provided as Mayor of the City of Morton upon the occasion of his retirement, and extend sincere wishes for continued success and joy in the lighter days ahead.

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