HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4710, by Representative McMorris

     WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize excellence in all fields of endeavor; and

     WHEREAS, Steve Fuhrman is now concluding a distinguished legislative career which began in 1983 with his first election as State Representative from the 7th Legislative District; and

     WHEREAS, Steve Fuhrman brought his famous "Big Stick" to Olympia with him to cut down the size, cost, and scope of government; and

     WHEREAS, Steve Fuhrman's career has been built on a long history of distinguished service to his country, including honorable service as a Captain in the United States Army and as a Vietnam Veteran; and

     WHEREAS, Steve Fuhrman's career has also been built upon his success in business as owner and operator of grain elevators and a farm supply business in the Colville Valley in Eastern Washington; and

     WHEREAS, Steve Fuhrman has continuously maintained his integrity with the voters who sent him to Olympia to represent them by clearly saying what he stood for and what he wanted to do, and then being consistent with his word; and

     WHEREAS, Steve Fuhrman has never strayed from his values and beliefs as a principled conservative voice in the legislature both as a freshman and as a seasoned veteran while faithfully remaining steadfast to the Constitution, conscience, family values, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and

     WHEREAS, Steve Fuhrman has worked tirelessly for individual rights and the common good by promoting constitutional government, limited government, open and honest government, and government accountable to the people; and

     WHEREAS, Steve Fuhrman has currently distinguished himself by his exemplary service as Chair of the Natural Resources Committee and as a member of the Education and Commerce & Labor Committees to the benefit of those he represents and to all the citizens of Washington state; and

     WHEREAS, Steve Fuhrman will always be remembered for his unyielding sponsorship of "road kill" bills to authorize the carcasses of animals "killed by the grill" to be taken by the unsuspecting operators of motor vehicles for some productive use though possibly not for human consumption; and

     WHEREAS, Steve Fuhrman's weekly return from the 7th District is heralded and trumpeted by the imprint and sound of cowboy boots in the marbled halls of the capitol campus which will soon be making tracks homeward; and

     WHEREAS, Steve Fuhrman's accomplishments and contributions would not be possible without the love, affection, and support of his family, his wife, Susan, daughter Carolyn who was Miss America 1992, daughter Christa, and son Brad; and

     WHEREAS, Steve Fuhrman has always attempted in both his private and public affairs to live a life of true Christian character consistent with his faith in Jesus Christ and has always been careful to give God the glory for any accomplishments he may have achieved in either realm; and

     WHEREAS, Steve Fuhrman is known for his faith, integrity, kindness, patience, grace, gentleness, goodness, humility, joyous and peaceful spirit, respect for others, and love for his fellow man;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives wish a sincere God bless and best wishes to Steve Fuhrman and his family on this occasion of his departure from public life; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor Steve Fuhrman for his excellence in service to this great and noble institution, to his colleagues, and especially to the citizens of this great state of Washington; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Representative Steve Fuhrman.

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