HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 513 Offered March 6, 2006 Commending Daniel E. Gardner. ---------- Patrons-- Scott, J.M. and Hull; Senator: Whipple ----------

WHEREAS, Daniel E. Gardner, who has served the citizens of the City of Falls Church as mayor since 2000, has announced his retirement effective at the end of his current term on June 30, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Daniel Gardner, the first mayor of Falls Church to serve more than one term since 1980, has been successful throughout his tenure in leading a City Council with diverse views to unanimous votes on many critical issues; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of Daniel Gardner, the City of Falls Church established an economic development policy and a City Center Task Force, initiatives that have resulted in substantial private investment in the city and the resultant positive impact on city revenues; and

WHEREAS, during Daniel Gardner's tenure, the City of Falls Church saw its first new school in more than 50 years, the Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, and a major expansion of the Mount Daniel Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Daniel Gardner led the citizens of Falls Church and the City Council in a collaborative process to protect the character of the city and preserve existing neighborhoods while enhancing business opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Daniel Gardner has promoted new initiatives and funding for affordable housing and led City Council efforts to cut real estate tax rates to ameliorate increasing assessments; and

WHEREAS, Daniel Gardner has also worked to establish the Falls Church Emergency Homeless Shelter and to expand the tax deferral program for senior citizens; and

WHEREAS, for six years, Daniel Gardner has served the citizens of the City of Falls Church with admirable skill, dedication, and compassion; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Daniel E. Gardner on the occasion of his retirement as mayor of the City of Falls Church; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Daniel E. Gardner as an expression of the admiration, respect, and gratitude of the General Assembly.