TITLE: Congratulating Nate McDonald on his retirement as Matagorda County judge.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Nate McDonald on his retirement as Matagorda County judge.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Honorable Nate McDonald retired as county judge of Matagorda County on December 31, 2022, concluding an exemplary tenure that spanned 16 years; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in Bay City, Mr. McDonald graduated from Bay City High School in 1973, before attending Howard Payne University in Brownwood on a basketball scholarship and earning his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1978; he went on to operate McDonald Equipment Company for nearly three decades, while pursuing agriculture, real estate, and investment ventures in Matagorda County and throughout the state; and WHEREAS, In 2006, Mr. McDonald successfully ran for the office of Matagorda County judge; as the county's chief elected official, he dutifully presided over the commissioners court, criminal court, civil court, and various other bodies, while also serving as chair of the county's juvenile, EMS, and self-insurance pool boards; his experience as a former business leader informed his focus on economic development projects in the community, and as a ski patroller of 25 years, he took a special interest in the county's emergency management planning; and WHEREAS, In his role as emergency management director, Judge McDonald oversaw monthly drills related to the two nuclear reactors housed in Matagorda County; he frequently attended events such as the International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference and meetings of the Infrastructure Development Working Group, in addition to being invited to speak and lecture at various conferences, workshops, and training sessions held by these organizations; he traveled as far away as Paris, France, and Vienna, Austria, for IAEA events and also welcomed participants to special seminars at home in Bay City and Matagorda County; along the way, he distinguished himself in a number of other positions, including as chair of the Texas Association of Regional Councils; and WHEREAS, Judge McDonald's dedication, integrity, and commitment to excellence have greatly benefited the citizens of Matagorda County and earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, and he may indeed reflect with pride on his many achievements; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Nate McDonald on his retirement as county judge for Matagorda County and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Judge McDonald as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Vasut Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 299 was adopted by the House on March 8, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 140, Nays 0, 2 present, not voting. Chief Clerk of the House