H.R. No. 1617
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk was confirmed as the
first African American United States Trade Representative by the
U.S. Senate on March 18, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Having been nominated for the cabinet-level post by
President Barack Obama and having been confirmed by the U.S.
Senate, Ambassador Kirk serves as the president's principal trade
advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on issues of international
trade; and
WHEREAS, Ron Kirk holds a bachelor's degree in political
science and sociology from Austin College and a law degree from The
University of Texas; he began his career as a legislative aide for
U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen before joining the Dallas office of the
Texas Attorney General, after which he went on to become the
assistant city attorney for governmental relations for Dallas; in
1994, while working in the private sector, he was asked by Governor
Ann Richards to serve a partial term as secretary of state; and
WHEREAS, The following year, Mr. Kirk became the first
African American to be elected mayor of Dallas, and he was returned
to office again in 1999 with a landslide 74 percent of the vote; as
mayor, he was well known for his economic development efforts,
which resulted in the creation of more than 45,000 jobs and an
investment of over $3.5 billion in the city, and he successfully
worked to reduce crime; moreover, he was respected for his ability
to bring together diverse coalitions to effect change; and
WHEREAS, This accomplished Texan most recently served as a
partner at the international law firm of Vinson & Elkins; his
principal area of practice was public finance and public policy,
and he was named one of the nation's top government relations
lawyers by The Best Lawyers in America from 2007 to 2009; in
addition, The National Law Journal named him one of the 50 Most
Influential Minority Lawyers in America; his other accolades
include the Woodrow Wilson Center for Public Policy Outstanding
Public Service Award and the Mickey Leland Leadership Award from
Texas Southern University; and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Kirk enjoys the love and
support of his wife, Matrice Ellis-Kirk, their two daughters,
Elizabeth Alexandra and Catherine Victoria, and his mother,
longtime Austin civil rights activist Willie Mae Kirk; and
WHEREAS, Ambassador Kirk demonstrates a noteworthy
commitment to excellence and public service, and it is indeed
fitting to honor him on this latest achievement in his exceptional
career; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Ron Kirk on his confirmation as the
first African American United States Trade Representative and
extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ambassador Kirk as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Anchia
Button
Vaught
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1617 was adopted by the House on May
4, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House