SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 240 Offered February 16, 2006 Commending Stephen H. Manster. ---------- Patrons-- Chichester and Houck; Delegate: Howell, W.J. ----------

WHEREAS, Stephen H. Manster, executive director of the Rappahannock Area Development Commission from 1986 to 2005, is recognized for his exemplary service and outstanding leadership; and

WHEREAS, the Rappahannock Area Development Commission (RADCO) is the planning district commission for the Counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford and the City of Fredericksburg; and

WHEREAS, during Stephen Manster's tenure, RADCO has grown to be the fourth largest planning district in the Commonwealth and the fastest growing planning district in the state; and

WHEREAS, the work of RADCO and its services rendered to constituent jurisdictions are largely a result of the effectiveness of Stephen Manster and his staff; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Manster, as executive director of the Rappahannock Economic Development Corporation (REDCO), has provided distinguished leadership and guidance to REDCO and the SBA 504 Loan Program; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Manster was invaluable in the establishment of the Fredericksburg Regional Transit System in the City of Fredericksburg, and has continued to work diligently to expand it to every locality in the RADCO region; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Manster aided RADCO in the founding of the Potomac Gateway Travel Center, which is a tremendous economic asset to the region and a boon to regional tourism; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Manster has supported the RADCO Rideshare program throughout the region and the state, and has also promoted ridesharing and transit utilization; and

WHEREAS, concerned about air quality and the long distance commuting population in the region, Stephen Manster helped establish three Telework Centers in the Fredericksburg region through a grant from the General Services Administration; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to the citizens of Port Royal, Stephen Manster has assisted the Town Council with water quality issues, the drafting of comprehensive plans, and the first zoning and subdivision ordinances, while preserving the town's historic resources; and

WHEREAS, committed to helping the increasing number of homeless persons in the Fredericksburg area, Stephen Manster has served as a board member of the area's first Homeless Shelter Committee, which was responsible for the establishment of the Thurman Brisben Homeless Shelter; has helped prepare meals for persons in need at Beth Sholom Temple and other homeless facilities; and he has provided support and leadership for the Continuum of Care program; and

WHEREAS, through his steadfastness, Stephen Manster has supported the Dawn Project in Caroline County, which brought indoor plumbing facilities to numerous residents; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Manster worked to improve transportation by the formation of the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, helped establish the first Office on Youth for the region, and assisted in the first legislative study commission on and the birth of the Rappahannock River Basin Commission; and

WHEREAS, because of Stephen Manster's vision and leadership, the first residential home for the elderly and disabled, through the support of Project Faith in King George County, became a reality; and

WHEREAS, working through the Rappahannock United Way, the Rappahannock Regional Disability Services Board, and the Rappahannock Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Stephen Manster has facilitated lasting change for citizens in need in the region; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Stephen H. Manster on his superb leadership as executive director of the Rappahannock Area Development Commission; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Stephen H. Manster as an expression of the General Assembly's gratitude for his service to the citizens of the Commonwealth and best wishes for a joyful retirement.