H.R. No. 266
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Michael Whitney McKinney served the Lone Star State
and its business community with the utmost distinction, and his
passing on February 15, 2012, brought an immeasurable loss to all
who were fortunate enough to know him; and
WHEREAS, A San Angelo native, Mike McKinney earned his
bachelor's degree in government from The University of Texas at
Austin; in 1968, he began his career in public service working for
Preston Smith, first in the office of the lieutenant governor and
later as Governor Smith's special assistant and appointments
secretary; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McKinney went on to make further invaluable
contributions to the state as assistant to the executive director
of the Texas Water Quality Board and then as assistant
administrator of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission; he became
vice president of industry affairs for the Wholesale Beer
Distributors of Texas in 1984, and he was named its chief executive
officer five years later; he led WBDT with enormous skill and energy
for more than two decades, and he spent so much time observing the
floor activities of the Texas House of Representatives that a chair
in the gallery came to be regarded as his; and
WHEREAS, Such publications as the Quorum Report and Capitol
Inside recognized Mr. McKinney's diligence and effectiveness, and
in 1996, the TABC presented him with its Bert Ford Commendation;
moreover, he received both the Presidential Award for Legislative
Excellence and the President's Industry Service Award from the
National Beer Wholesalers Association; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to preserving our state's rich heritage,
Mr. McKinney served on the board of the Bob Bullock Texas State
History Museum Foundation, including as its president from 2005 to
2006, and he was a member of the State Cemetery Board and the board
of Friends of the Governor's Mansion; he actively supported
improvements to the mansion as a member of the Sam Houston Society
as well; and
WHEREAS, For years during legislative sessions, Mike
McKinney was a near-constant presence in his favorite chair in the
house gallery, and it is appropriate to pay special tribute to him
with the installation of an engraved plaque on that chair; in
accordance with the provisions of Chapter 443, Government Code, the
State Preservation Board is charged with approving all changes to
the Capitol and its contents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby direct the State Preservation Board to install a
plaque that is engraved with the words "In memory of Michael
W. McKinney, a great Texan and protector of the Code and
Constitution" on the specific house gallery chair long occupied by
Mr. McKinney; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the chief clerk of the house forward an
official copy of this resolution to the executive director and
members of the State Preservation Board.
Thompson of Harris
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 266 was adopted by the House on May 8,
2013, by the following vote: Yeas 147, Nays 0, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House