HR0635 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0635 LRB100 15072 MST 29915 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Noel B. Cummings on the occasion of his 90th birthday and commend him on his 38 successful years as President of the Village of Hodgkins; and

WHEREAS, When President Cummings was elected in April of 1979, he presided over a municipality with a population of 2000, sales tax receipts of $30,000, and a reputation that focused more on its taverns than its accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, During his time in office, President Cummings has utilized all the economic development tools at his disposal, including TIFs and enterprise zones; one remarkable accomplishment is the development of the Quarry Shopping Center, which is home to Walmart, Sam's Club, Target, new car dealerships, many retail stores, and Hodgkins Industrial Park, which includes the world's largest sorting facility owned by United Parcel Service; and

WHEREAS, President Cummings can proudly state that his municipality now has the highest proportion of sales tax revenue in the greater metropolitan Chicago area with $5,600,000 for 1,700 residents and an assessed valuation of $275 million; and

WHEREAS, President Cummings is the second longest serving village president/mayor in Illinois; he has accomplished this by adhering to the philosophy that the best way to beat an enemy is to make them a friend; and

WHEREAS, The economic and social development of Hodgkins during the past 38 years is a direct reflection of the political instincts, creativity, and burning desire of President Cummings to leave the village in a better place than he found it; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Noel B. Cummings on his 90th birthday and commend him on 38 successful years as President of the Village of Hodgkins; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to President Cummings as a symbol of our respect and esteem.