Senate Resolution 16

A RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND RECOGNIZE DISTRICT 33 STATE SENATOR VIDET CARMICHAEL FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE.

WHEREAS, District 33 State Senator Videt Carmichael has announced that he will not be seeking reelection. He has represented Senate District 33, which includes portions of Clarke and Lauderdale Counties, for 20 years. In Videt Carmichael, the citizens of District 33 have had effective representation from a dedicated public servant with business and school district experience; and

WHEREAS, first elected to office in 1999, Senator Carmichael served in the Mississippi Senate for five terms. Proud of his accomplishments in the Legislature, Videt Carmichael said he has always enjoyed working in the Senate and will miss it when he finishes this year; and

WHEREAS, Videt's education includes Clarkdale High School and Mississippi State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree and Master's Degree in Education. Senator Carmichael is a former Teacher, Coach, Principal and a member of New Hope Baptist Church. He was born in Meridian on February 26, 1950, and is married to the former Donna Smith. They have two children and six grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, at the beginning of the 2015 Regular Session, Videt served on the following committees: Insurance, Chair; Investigate State Offices, Vice-Chair; Appropriations; Business and Financial Institutions; Corrections; Energy; and Ports and Marine Resources; and

WHEREAS, Senator Carmichael's tenure in the Legislature made him an expert in many areas of Mississippi government and he was particularly knowledgeable in the details of school district administration and education finance. As Chairman of the Education Committee, he was responsible for handling legislation relating to school accreditation and conservatorship. As Chairman of Veterans and Military Affairs, he arranged for the committee to fly by Black Hawk Helicopter to tour the Gulfport Air National Guard Base. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Arts and Entertainment Center in Meridian, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Senator Carmichael is a talented bluegrass musician and often entertained fellow Senators, senate staff and lobbyists by singing and playing the mandolin; and

WHEREAS, Senator Carmichael's service has been marked by his commitment to success and recognized leadership, sound judgment, civility, courtesy and fairness. He has set the highest standard in all of his many roles: husband, father, businessman, bluegrass musician, statesman, community leader, leader in the Mississippi Senate, and as a true friend. Videt's service honored both the Mississippi Senate and this great state that he loved and served:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and recognize District 33 State Senator Videt Carmichael for his distinguished service in the Mississippi Senate.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Senator Videt Carmichael and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.