SPONSOR:	Rep. Smyk & Rep. Schwartzkopf & Rep. Briggs King;on behalf of all Representatives

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 147th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO.

PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE JAMES L. FORD, MAYOR OF LEWES, DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVANT, PHILANTHROPIST, AND EXEMPLARY CITIZEN, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, James L. Ford is the son of retired Delaware State Police Superintendent and prior Secretary of Public Safety Colonel James Ford and his wife; and

WHEREAS, although born in Wilmington, James L. Ford has been a resident of Lewes since 1976, and owns a building contracting business specializing in historic restoration; and

WHEREAS, James L. Ford graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences; and

WHEREAS, James L. Ford was appointed to the Lewes Planning Commission in 1987, and was elected to City Council in 1992; and

WHEREAS, James L. Ford was appointed Deputy Mayor in 1998 and was elected Mayor in 2004; and

WHEREAS, James L. Ford was instrumental in the construction of the Canal Front Park, in the renovations of City Hall, and the acquisition of land for the new library, to name a few of his contributions; and

WHEREAS, James L. Ford is Past President of the Delaware League of Local Governments, serving on the League's Executive and Legislative Committees, and Past President of the Sussex County Association of Towns; and

WHEREAS, James L. Ford is a member of the Sea Grant Advisory Council; serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Lewes Foundation; is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Lewes Historical Society; is a member of the Fort Miles Historical Association, Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation, the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Association, the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, and is an honorary member of the Lewes Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, James L. Ford has been married to his wife Teresa for 37 years,has two children, Jacob & Maren, and one grandson born to Maren & Ryan Langford -"Silas" James William Langford; and

WHEREAS, James L. Ford is well known for his ability to listen to the concerns of the citizens of Lewes and to work towards the good of the residents of the City of Lewes; and

WHEREAS, James L. Ford is retiring from his capacity as Mayor of the City of Lewes.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 147^th General Assembly of the State of Delaware that the members do hereby honor Mayor James L. Ford for his distinguished service to the City of Lewes, Sussex County, and the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members do hereby extend heartfelt best wishes to Mayor Ford for a long, happy, and fulfilling retirement with ample time to spend many pleasant hours with his wife and two children, enjoying time outdoors and travelling.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this House Resolution be presented to Mayor Ford upon its enactment by the House.

SYNOPSIS

This House Resolution commends Mayor James L. Ford on his retirement, thanks him for his service, and extends best wishes to Mayor Ford and his family.