TITLE: Honoring Harris County Clerk Beverly Kaufman on her retirement.

SUMMARY: Honoring Harris County Clerk Beverly Kaufman on her retirement.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Beverly Kaufman retired from her position as Harris County clerk on December 31, 2010, after 16 years of dedicated work in behalf of her fellow residents; and WHEREAS, Ms. Kaufman began her distinguished career in public service nearly four decades ago, when she joined the staff of the Harris County judge; from her role as a part-time clerk, she went on to become an administrative assistant and special master, hearing alcoholic beverage license protests; and WHEREAS, Through the years, Ms. Kaufman chaired projects involving all county departments, including the annual blood drive, the United Way campaign, and the recycling committee; she also served as liaison to the library system, the Personnel Committee, Risk Management, and the County Clerk's Office, as well as to area chambers of commerce and the Cultural Arts Council of Houston and Harris County; and WHEREAS, In March 1992, Ms. Kaufman was appointed to fill an unexpired term as county clerk, and she was returned to that post by Harris County voters in the following four elections; during her exceptional tenure, she helped to expand and streamline services and she was instrumental in bringing electronic voting to the county; and WHEREAS, Ms. Kaufman has participated in a number of worthwhile organizations; in addition to chairing the United States Election Assistance Commission board of advisors, she has been president of Women Professionals in Government and the National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials and Clerks, and she has shared her expertise with the advisory board of Taping for the Blind and the executive board of Harris County Justice Information Management Systems; and WHEREAS, Recognized for her outstanding work, Ms. Kaufman has earned such honors as the 2007 Linda S. Carter Award for Excellence in Government, a 2003 Women on the Move Award, and the 2005 County Best Practices Superior Innovation Award, given for her efforts with the Harris County Language Assistance Program; moreover, in 2009 she was named one of Houston's 50 Most Influential Women by Houston Woman Magazine;and WHEREAS, A professional of outstanding skill and dedication, Beverly Kaufman contributed greatly to the operations of Harris County government, and she may indeed take justifiable pride in her notable legacy of achievement; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Beverly Kaufman on her retirement as Harris County clerk and extend to her sincere best wishes for happiness in the years ahead; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Kaufman as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Harless Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 609 was adopted by the House on March 10, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House