Senate Resolution 33

A RESOLUTION TO COMMEND SENATOR CHARLIE ROSS FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE.

WHEREAS, Senator Charlie Ross is retiring from the Mississippi Senate to run for higher office after serving 11 years in the Legislature; and

WHEREAS, Senator Charlie Ross is a man of integrity and hard work with a complete knowledge of Mississippi's legal system, and there is an acknowledged respect of our esteemed colleague, gentleman and enlightened lawmaker; and

WHEREAS, Charlie Ross currently serves as Senator from District 20 in the Mississippi Senate. District 20 is comprised of parts of Madison and Rankin Counties; and

WHEREAS, in the Senate, Charlie serves as Chairman of the Judiciary A Committee, which handles a wide variety of legislative issues, including civil justice matters. He also serves on the Constitution; Elections; Environmental Protection, Conservation & Water Resources; Executive Contingent Fund; Finance; Insurance; and Veterans and Military Affairs Committees; and

WHEREAS, Charlie was first elected to the Senate in 1997 after serving as a Representative from District 59 in the Mississippi House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, in 2004, as Chairman of the Judiciary A Committee, Charlie drafted the comprehensive Tort Reform Bill and was the leader in the Senate in the successful fight to pass the bill. Senator Merle Flowers (R-DeSoto) says, "Senator Charlie Ross' leadership and knowledge of our civil justice system was crucial in the tort reform fight. Charlie knew what needed to be done, and he knew how to do it. Mississippi is fortunate to have a leader of his character and ability in the Senate"; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his leadership on the tort reform issue, the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) presented him with the prestigious Civil Justice Achievement Award. ATRA President Sherman Joyce, said, "Senator Ross provided the leadership and expertise Mississippi needed to advance meaningful, comprehensive civil justice reform. We commend Senator Ross for his good work that will ultimately benefit the citizens of Mississippi." The Tort Reform Bill was landmark legislation that is now being held out as a model for other states. ATRA is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to tort and liability reform; and

WHEREAS, in 1988, Charlie obtained his J.D. with honors from Harvard Law School. In addition to his Senate duties, Charlie maintains a full law practice, concentrating on civil litigation. He is a shareholder in the Jackson law firm of Wise Carter Child and Caraway. He is admitted to practice before all Mississippi courts, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court; and

WHEREAS, Charlie is a 1978 distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, with a B.S. Degree in Economics. After the Academy, he served on active duty as a fighter interceptor pilot. In 1991, he was activated and served as a C-141 pilot during Desert Storm with the Mississippi Air National Guard; and

WHEREAS, Charlie grew up and attended high school in Eupora, Webster County, Mississippi. He and his family currently live in Rankin County, where he is active in numerous civic and community organizations. He and his family are members of Lakeside Presbyterian Church, where he serves as a Sunday School Teacher; and

WHEREAS, Charlie and his wife, Sharon, have three boys -- Andy (24), David (21) and Steven (17); and

WHEREAS, Senator Ross' service has been marked by his commitment to success and recognized leadership, sound judgment and fairness. He has set the highest standard in all of his many roles, as a father, husband, attorney, officer, citizen, statesman and leader in the Mississippi Senate and as a true friend:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and recognize Senator Charlie Ross, whose outstanding service enriched everyone with whom he was associated, and we wish Charlie and his family much success in their future endeavors.

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