HJR6ENROLLED
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HJR6
MDQ31HW-2
By Representative Mooney
RFD: RULES
First Read: 04-Feb-25
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First Read: 04-Feb-25
Enrolled, An Act,
HJR___ COMMENDING MARY SANDERS WARD FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO
THE ALABAMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WHEREAS, it is with profound gratitude that the
Alabama House of Representatives and its staff congratulate
Mary Sanders Ward after 63 years of devoted service to the
Legislature and the people of this great state; and
WHEREAS, a native of Tallassee, Alabama, Mary began
her many years of public service on June 7, 1961, with the
Alabama Highway Department; thereafter, she served in
various capacities with the Alabama Public Service
Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources; and
WHEREAS, she began her career with the Legislature
when she was appointed to work in the House of
Representatives by Speaker Jimmy Clark on March 31, 1987;
she transitioned to working as a Front Desk Supervisor in
1994 and was promoted to Supervisor of the House Journal
Room on October 1, 1997; and
WHEREAS, since becoming supervisor of the House
Journal Room, she has been responsible for ensuring that the
Journal of the House is an accurate account of the actions
taken on the floor each session; she has served an
astounding 82 legislative sessions; and
WHEREAS, the Journal of the House is the sole legally
recognized document that can be used in a court of law
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recognized document that can be used in a court of law
whenever there are questions regarding actions taken on the
floor of the House; it is of vital importance that it be
assembled and published without error; she would work day
and night and on weekends to ensure that every task related
to the production of the Journal was completed to
perfection; and
WHEREAS, capitalizing on her industriousness and her
unfailing work ethic, Mary played an important role in
developing the early computer systems and worked with
developers tirelessly on the ALIS system which was used by
the Legislature for over 25 years; most notably, her ability
to quickly and expertly create macros enhanced employee's
ability to perform their jobs more effectively; her computer
savviness continued to serve her well as she spearheaded
efforts to develop and implement LINX, the new legislative
computer system; and
WHEREAS, she has had a front-row seat to many
historical moments in the Alabama House Chamber; her
expertise, legislative procedural knowledge, and rapport
with the members of the House of Representatives has served
as a catalyst for her successful career and positive impact
on the legislative process; she immensely enjoyed assisting
others with problems and tasks, and she was truly at her
best when she was helping others; and
WHEREAS, a loving dog owner, she has engaged in
numerous humanitarian efforts to improve the lives of pets
in the Montgomery area; most recently, she daringly rescued
a kitten from the car engine of a colleague in the State
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a kitten from the car engine of a colleague in the State
House parking lot; a coffee connoisseur and purveyor of
unique foods and beverages, Mary was always willing to share
with her colleagues; to the surprise of many, Mary continues
to love mastering video games, such as Legend of Zelda;
demonstrating an unrivaled green thumb, she also capitalizes
on every moment to work with plants and flowers in her yard;
and
WHEREAS, following her retirement, we know that she
will continue to enjoy spending time with her pets; her
daughter, Renee; her granddaughters, Gracie and Chloe, along
with their husbands; and working in her yard; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH
HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That Mary Sanders Ward be highly
commended for her 63 years of service and dedication not
only to this body and its members, but also to the people of
the Great State of Alabama, and that we wish her a long and
enjoyable retirement.
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enjoyable retirement.
________________________________________________
Speaker of the House of Representatives
________________________________________________
President and Presiding Officer of the Senate
House of Representatives
I hereby certify that the within Act originated in
and was passed by the House 04-Feb-25.
John Treadwell
Clerk
Senate 12-Feb-25 Adopted
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