House Resolution 201

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MOST HONORABLE AND DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM KEMPER, REPRESENTATIVE MICHAEL T. EVANS, FOR HIS ESTEEMED LEGISLATIVE CAREER AND PUBLIC SERVICE UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS DEPARTURE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WHEREAS, the honorable and distinguished Gentleman from Kemper, Representative Michael T. Evans, has announced his plans for departure from the Mississippi House of Representatives at the conclusion of his current term, after tirelessly working on behalf of the citizens of Mississippi and House District 45, which encompasses parts of Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba and Winston Counties, marking a triumphant end to 12 years of legislative service in the hallowed halls of the Mississippi State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, upon his election to the House of Representatives in 2011, Representative Evans, a farmer and fireman by profession, became the distinguished Gentleman from Kemper upon being sworn into office on the first day of his first legislative session in January 2012, and he wasted no time requesting the legislation, amendments and reports that would help effectuate into law the ideologies and policy changes that his constituents had elected him to further; and

WHEREAS, Representative Evans's love and deeply felt respect for the Legislature as a sacred institution is innately apparent in his welcoming and authentically pleasant and cordial disposition, which has served as a beacon of hope in pursuits to preserve and nurture the integrity of the body for all legislators who equally hold a lion's share in the stake of advancing the direction of the state's economic, educational and political climate; and

WHEREAS, during his legislative tenure, Representative Evans served as a member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Water Resources, Energy, Municipalities, Public Property, Public Utilities, Insurance, Transportation, Ways and Means, and Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committees; and

WHEREAS, among the numerous significant legislation that was enacted during Representative Evans's service in the House, one bill that he is most proud of, and which he authored, is the bill that transferred Kemper Lake back to the people of Kemper County, for the people to enjoy; and

WHEREAS, not one to limit his community involvement to the Legislature, Representative Evans has always been active in his district and dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens, as evidenced by his service and affiliation as a member of the Mississippi Fire Chiefs' Association, Mississippi Farm Bureau, Rotary, Masons, and Mississippi Poultry Association; and

WHEREAS, looking back on the memories he made during his time in the Legislature, Representative Evans certainly enjoyed the great times spent on the House floor with his desk mates and friends, as they shared many laughs, as well as getting important legislative work completed, and when asked what he enjoyed most about being a legislator, he stated that he was grateful to be able to help the people back home on the small, but important, things that they were not able to get help with; and

WHEREAS, the service of Representative Evans would be without honor but for the continued support, encouragement and love of his family, who have endured the daunting struggles that accompany the life of an elected official, and much credit is also due to his loved ones who have sacrificed countless hours without him in order to allow him to fulfill his legislative obligations; and

WHEREAS, the members of the House of Representatives will cherish the bond and common goals for the betterment of this great state shared with Representative Evans over the course of the past 12 years, and his impeccable service to the Mississippi Legislature, and to the constituents of District 45, is surely unparalleled and exemplifies the true meaning of public service; and

WHEREAS, Representative Evans has remained a true gentleman, grounded in his integrity, and highly regarded for his understanding of the ultimate purpose of legislation, which is to serve the needs of the people, and he continually seeks to improve the lives of others through positive example, hard work and the undeniable truths of the Word of God; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the wonderful service of our colleague and friend, Representative Evans, who represented his district, this body and the people of this state with honor and dignity:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the most honorable, distinguished Gentleman from Kemper, Representative Michael T. Evans, for his esteemed legislative career and public service, and express fondest respect and best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Representative Michael T. Evans and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.