SR833: SR833 Burns, Honorable Willie E.; recognize

26 LC 129 1217 Senate Resolution 833 By: Senators Anderson of the 43rd, Anderson of the 24th, Jones II of the 22nd, Davenport of the 17th, Harbison of the 15th and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending the Honorable Willie E. Burns; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the Honorable Willie E. Burns, of Washington, Georgia, has long been2 recognized by the citizens of this state for the vital role that he has played in leadership and3 his deep personal commitment to the welfare of the citizens of Georgia; and4 WHEREAS, he has served his state and country in the United Stat es Army, the Elberton5 Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol; and6 WHEREAS, in 2003, he was elected as the first Black Mayor of Washington, Georgia; and7 WHEREAS, during his tenure as mayor, he executed his vision of economic development8 to his community and region by founding and launching the Wilke s County Community9 Development Corporation; and 10 WHEREAS, he strengthened the City of Washington's economic base by developing the first11 affordable housing community where low and moderate-income indi viduals and families12 were able to obtain the American Dream by becoming homeowners a nd built the first and13 only state of the art multipurpose event venue; and14 S. R. 833 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1217 WHEREAS, his significant organizational and leadership talents, remarkable patience and15 diplomacy, keen sense of vision, and sensitivity to the needs of the citizens of this state have16 earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and associates; and17 W H E R E A S , a d e d i c a t e d m e m b e r o f h i s c o m m u n i t y , h e i s a m e m b e r o f the NAACP,18 Washington, Georgia Branch; a lifetime member of the American Legion; past President of19 the Georgia Conference of Black Mayors (GCBM), Inc.; and is an active volunteer at his20 church and local schools; and21 WHEREAS, he is a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for22 integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and23 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this24 remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body26 recognize and commend the Honorable Willie E. Burns for his efficient, effective, unselfish,27 and dedicated public service to the State of and extend the mos t sincere best wishes for28 continued health and happiness.29 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed30 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the Honorable31 Willie E. Burns.32 S. R. 833 - 2 -