| 1 | | - | MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE 2025 Regular Session To: Rules By: Senator(s) Kirby, Harkins Senate Resolution 122 (As Adopted by Senate) A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND CONSIDERABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE HONORABLE MAYOR GARY RHOADS OF FLOWOOD, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT. WHEREAS, we join the citizens of Flowood, Mississippi, in recognizing the outstanding leadership and economic development accomplishments of longtime Mayor Gary Rhoads; and WHEREAS, after 36 years of dedicated service, Flowood Mayor Gary Rhoads is announcing his decision to retire and not seek re-election. First elected on June 6, 1989, Rhoads has been a steadfast leader for the City of Flowood, having also served as its Chief of Police from 1981 to 1989. Notably, as Mayor, Rhoads has faced no opposition, illustrating the community's faith in his leadership abilities; and WHEREAS, Mayor Rhoads has led Flowood through a remarkable era of growth and development. Under his guidance, the city has consistently maintained one of the lowest millage rates in the region and has successfully completed transformative projects, such as Dogwood Festival, Lakeland Commons, the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, the Refuge Golf Course, and many innovative healthcare facilities. These efforts have not only bolstered the city's infrastructure but also created a vibrant community central to Flowood's identity; and WHEREAS, beyond his administrative achievements, Mayor Rhoads has built and values relationships he has cultivated with residents over the years. He often highlights how listening to the community and engaging with its members has enriched his understanding of public service. "I've been fortunate to serve such wonderful citizens," he remarked, acknowledging the trust they have placed in him; and WHEREAS, Mayor Rhoads also recognizes the vital role played by supportive boards of aldermen, which have been instrumental in driving the city's progress and success with the support of his aldermen; and WHEREAS, Mayor Rhoads played a crucial role in establishing a strong financial foundation for the city, by effectively managing its reserves and debts; and WHEREAS, Rhoads' commitment to public service is evident by his active involvement on various state and local boards, including the Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, Merit Health River Oaks Board of Trustees, East Metro Access Parkway, the Rankin Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District and West Rankin Utility Authority. Through those roles, he has advocated for policies benefiting both Flowood and Rankin and Hinds counties; and WHEREAS, as Mayor Rhoads prepares to step down, he looks forward to spending more quality time with his wife Lydia, their two children, and four active grandchildren. "It's time to slow down and enjoy life with my family," he expressed, looking forward to this new chapter. Reflecting on his career, Rhoads credits his success to his unwavering faith and the support of the Flowood community. He believes that prioritizing God has guided both his personal and professional journey, as he leaves a legacy of service, vision, and commitment. "As long as we continue to prioritize community and faith, Flowood will continue to prosper": NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the public service and considerable economic development accomplishments of the honorable Mayor Gary Rhoads of Flowood, Mississippi, on the occasion of his retirement, pay tribute to him for his enormous civic energy and extend to the Mayor and his family our best wishes for future success. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mayor Gary Rhoads, forwarded to the Flowood Board of Aldermen and made available to the Capitol Press Corps. |
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| 1 | + | MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE 2025 Regular Session To: Rules By: Senator(s) Kirby, Harkins Senate Resolution 122 A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND CONSIDERABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE HONORABLE MAYOR GARY RHOADS OF FLOWOOD, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT. WHEREAS, we join the citizens of Flowood, Mississippi, in recognizing the outstanding leadership and economic development accomplishments of longtime Mayor Gary Rhoads; and WHEREAS, after 36 years of dedicated service, Flowood Mayor Gary Rhoads is announcing his decision to retire and not seek re-election. First elected on June 6, 1989, Rhoads has been a steadfast leader for the City of Flowood, having also served as its Chief of Police from 1981 to 1989. Notably, as Mayor, Rhoads has faced no opposition, illustrating the community's faith in his leadership abilities; and WHEREAS, Mayor Rhoads has led Flowood through a remarkable era of growth and development. Under his guidance, the city has consistently maintained one of the lowest millage rates in the region and has successfully completed transformative projects, such as Dogwood Festival, Lakeland Commons, the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, the Refuge Golf Course, and many innovative healthcare facilities. These efforts have not only bolstered the city's infrastructure but also created a vibrant community central to Flowood's identity; and WHEREAS, beyond his administrative achievements, Mayor Rhoads has built and values relationships he has cultivated with residents over the years. He often highlights how listening to the community and engaging with its members has enriched his understanding of public service. "I've been fortunate to serve such wonderful citizens," he remarked, acknowledging the trust they have placed in him; and WHEREAS, Mayor Rhoads also recognizes the vital role played by supportive boards of aldermen, which have been instrumental in driving the city's progress and success with the support of his aldermen; and WHEREAS, Mayor Rhoads played a crucial role in establishing a strong financial foundation for the city, by effectively managing its reserves and debts; and WHEREAS, Rhoads' commitment to public service is evident by his active involvement on various state and local boards, including the Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, Merit Health River Oaks Board of Trustees, East Metro Access Parkway, the Rankin Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District and West Rankin Utility Authority. Through those roles, he has advocated for policies benefiting both Flowood and Rankin and Hinds counties; and WHEREAS, as Mayor Rhoads prepares to step down, he looks forward to spending more quality time with his wife Lydia, their two children, and four active grandchildren. "It's time to slow down and enjoy life with my family," he expressed, looking forward to this new chapter. Reflecting on his career, Rhoads credits his success to his unwavering faith and the support of the Flowood community. He believes that prioritizing God has guided both his personal and professional journey, as he leaves a legacy of service, vision, and commitment. "As long as we continue to prioritize community and faith, Flowood will continue to prosper": NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the public service and considerable economic development accomplishments of the honorable Mayor Gary Rhoads of Flowood, Mississippi, on the occasion of his retirement, pay tribute to him for his enormous civic energy and extend to the Mayor and his family our best wishes for future success. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mayor Gary Rhoads, forwarded to the Flowood Board of Aldermen and made available to the Capitol Press Corps. |
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