HJ598: Commending John R. Byers.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 598
Offered January 10, 2007
Prefiled January 3, 2007
Commending John R. Byers.
Patrons-- Amundson; Senator: Puller

WHEREAS, John R. Byers, respected member of the Mount Vernon District Planning Commission, will retire after 21 years of outstanding service; and

WHEREAS, John Byers is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1951, who served his country in the United States Army for 31 years, participating in three wars and retiring with the rank of colonel; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to the economic development and the well-being of Fairfax County, John Byers has been instrumental in the planning and growth of the County for over 40 years as a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Planning Commission, and the Planning and Zoning Committee of the Mount Vernon Council; and

WHEREAS, because of his vast experience and knowledge of land use, John Byers was invaluable in the development of the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan; and

WHEREAS, in 1986, John Byers was appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to the Mount Vernon District Planning Commission; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure, John Byers has served in key leadership positions and was instrumental in the planning of the Mount Vernon Governmental Center, the Mount Vernon Hospital, and other strategic projects; and

WHEREAS, among his many accolades over the course of a distinguished career, John Byers was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens' Associations in 1995 and with the West Point Society of the District of Columbia Distinguished Member Award for his exemplary service to his alma mater and community in 1999; and

WHEREAS, John Byers has been a visionary leader, dedicated to the future of Fairfax County and improving the quality of life of all of the citizens of the Mount Vernon community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate John R. Byers for his exemplary and longtime service to the Mount Vernon District Planning Commission; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to John R. Byers as an expression of the General Assembly's gratitude for his many extraordinary contributions and best wishes for a rewarding retirement.