H.R. No. 2513
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Honorable John Payton has distinguished himself
as justice of the peace of Precinct 3, Place 2, in Collin County for
more than a quarter-century, and his work in behalf of his fellow
citizens is truly deserving of recognition; and
WHEREAS, John Payton ran his first campaign for Collin County
justice of the peace at the age of 18, while a senior at Plano East
Senior High School; despite his youth, he secured 52 percent of the
vote in the 1990 Republican primary race, defeating his incumbent
opponent and eventually winning the general election; his victory
received national attention from media outlets, earning him a spot
in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's youngest judge
and an invitation to appear on Late Night with David Letterman; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his six terms as justice of the
peace, Judge Payton has worked diligently to curb truancy in local
schools; he has offered stern but encouraging advice to students in
his courtroom, and his work to keep them in school and out of
juvenile detention has garnered him the respect and appreciation of
many parents; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan holds an associate's degree from
Collin College, and he has pursued further studies at Dallas
Baptist University; active in his community, Judge Payton
volunteers his time to Habitat for Humanity and often spends his
weekends completing service projects with area youth; and
WHEREAS, Through his commitment and leadership, John Payton
has made a positive difference in the lives of countless residents
of Collin County, and his dedicated efforts are a continuing source
of inspiration to all who know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby commend the Honorable John Payton for his
service as justice of the peace of Precinct 3, Place 2, in Collin
County and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Judge Payton as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Sanford
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2513 was adopted by the House on May
31, 2015, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House