House Resolution 37

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE THAT MR. JOHN MCKAY HAS PROVIDED TO THE CITY OF OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Mr. John McKay, an exemplary public servant, began his selfless career of service to the City of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, in 1971, when he was hired as the first full-time Recreation Director for the city, and for 45 years, he has expended his energy and dedicated his valuable time to the betterment of the "City of Discovery"; and

WHEREAS, as the Recreation Director for the City of Ocean Springs, Mr. McKay established the first tee ball, flag football and soccer leagues for the children of the community to participate in and enjoy the great outdoors with their friends and families; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McKay also helped secure state and federal grant funds to bring more opportunities for children of all ages to play America's favorite sport, baseball, with the construction of the City Park baseball fields on Alice Street, the Clay Boyd baseball fields on Morris Noble Road, the Gay-Lemon Complex and the Alice Street Recreation Department Building; and

WHEREAS, in 1989, Mr. McKay was elected as the Alderman of Ward 5 for the City of Ocean Springs, serving in that role for three terms, and during his 10-year tenure, he acted as the Mayor Pro Tempore three different times and played a huge role, along with Mayor Kevin Alves, to bring the Vietnam Memorial to Ocean Springs in order to honor and memorialize all the patriots who fought for Lady Liberty's freedom; and

WHEREAS, as Alderman, Mr. McKay organized the Blue Ribbon Panel on Recreation, which determined and recommended the construction of a Sports Complex for Ocean Springs, so the Highway 57 property was purchased to facilitate the opening of the luxurious sports complex; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McKay was elected as the Jackson County Supervisor for District 5 in 1999, so that he could ensure that the City of Ocean Springs always received a fair share of the community funds, and during his four terms as supervisor, the City of Ocean Springs exponentially benefitted from his leadership and hard work; and

WHEREAS, during his four terms as supervisor, Mr. McKay completed many projects that were extremely advantageous to the prosperity of Ocean Springs and the well-being of its citizens, including the Government Street, Ocean Springs Middle School and Beachview Drive Signalizations, the redesign and construction of the Ocean Springs Road and U.S. Highway 90 intersection and the development of the Ocean Springs Small Craft Harbor; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McKay is married to the lovely Linda McKay, who has been a pillar of support to him throughout his service, and the couple has three children, Shane, Brooks and Damian and several grandchildren, and John and Linda attend First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs and are avid supporters of the Ocean Springs School District; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McKay is a man of incredible stature and character, and his community contributions have tremendously advanced the wonderful City of Ocean Springs and the great State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the magnificent contributions and unparalleled community service that exceptional Mississippians, such as Mr. John McKay, provide to the citizens of this Magnolia State:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend the distinguished career and meritorious leadership and service that Mr. John McKay has provided to the City of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and extend to him our most sincere wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. John McKay and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.