House Concurrent Resolution 92

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING SECRETARY OF STATE ERIC CLARK FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Secretary of State Eric Clark, who has spent decades in dedicated public service, has announced that he will not seek a fourth term in office; and

WHEREAS, Eric Clark is now serving his third term as Mississippi's Secretary of State. He was elected to the statewide office in 1995 and reelected in 1999 and 2003; and

WHEREAS, a native of Smith County, born in 1951, Eric Clark has focused the Secretary of State's Office on four primary goals: protecting the integrity of the state's elections; promoting sound land management; strengthening Mississippi's business climate; and safeguarding the investments and charitable donations of Mississippians; and

WHEREAS, as the state's Chief Elections Officer, Clark has reformed the state's campaign finance disclosure laws, secured passage of new measures to combat voter fraud and has expanded voter education programs with "Promote the Vote," which was recognized by CNN and TIME Magazine as the most successful student voter project in the country, and "Vote in Honor of a Veteran" to recognize the service and sacrifice of those who make our democracy possible; and

WHEREAS, Clark oversees more than 1.3 million acres of state-owned land, including 16th section lands for the support of public education, which generate approximately $50 Million annually for Mississippi schools, and public trust tidelands on the Gulf Coast, promoting its balanced economic development, and spearheaded the acquisition of more than 15,000 acres of endangered coastal wetlands, including Deer Island, for permanent preservation; and

WHEREAS, in his capacity as Secretary of State, Clark overhauled the agency to provide faster, more efficient customer service as he continues to enforce the laws that protect Mississippi investors and has helped in the recovery of more than $26 Million in stolen money; and

WHEREAS, a member of the Mississippi Economic Council, Mississippi Farm Bureau, Mississippi Forestry Association and Mississippi Historical Society, Clark served four terms as a member of the state House of Representatives prior to his election as Secretary of State; and

WHEREAS, he has been recognized with the American Family Association's "God and Country" Award for authoring the law that outlawed possession of child pornography in Mississippi, and the Mississippi Wildlife Federation's Conservation Legislator of the Year for his efforts to preserve natural lands on the Gulf Coast; and

WHEREAS, the son of the late Mr. John S. Clark, a former Smith County Representative to the Mississippi House of Representatives, and Mrs. Mamie Craft Clark, a respected community leader, Eric was Valedictorian of his class at Taylorsville High School and received a bachelor's degree from Millsaps College, a master's degree from the University of Mississippi and a doctorate in history from Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, Eric Clark is married to the former Karan Killebrew, and is the proud father of two children: Charles, 19, and Catherine, 13; and

WHEREAS, Eric Clark was a workhorse statesman who fought the tough battles that needed fighting, and his integrity, ethical leadership and work ethic set a model for other Mississippi officials to emulate:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Secretary of State Eric Clark for his distinguished service to the people of the State of Mississippi and extend warmest wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Secretary of State Eric Clark and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.