Georgia-2009-SR1497-Enrolled

WHEREAS, Mr. Freddie Ashmon, Jr., has long been recognized by the citizens of this state for the vital role that he has played in leadership and his deep personal commitment to the welfare of the citizens of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, he has diligently and conscientiously devoted innumerable hours of his time, talents, and energy toward the betterment of his community and state as evidenced dramatically by his superlative service as a Douglas County Commissioner; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ashmon represents District 1 of Douglas County which encompasses Lithia Springs, north Douglasville, the eastern portion of Winston, and the Douglas County portion of Austell; and

WHEREAS, the first African American Commissioner in Douglas County history, Mr. Ashmon has served as a commissioner since 2006 and has been a resident of Lithia Springs since 1998; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ashmon's significant organizational and leadership talents, his remarkable patience and diplomacy, his keen sense of vision, and his sensitivity to the needs of the citizens of this state have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and associates; and

WHEREAS, a native of Montezuma, Georgia, Mr. Ashmon earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Paine College, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, and a technical degree from Atlanta Area Tech and is pursuing a master's degree in technology management from Mercer University; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as commissioner, Mr. Ashmon has advocated for stricter maintenance codes which force owners to properly maintain their properties, initiated a sidewalk project for Lithia Springs school children, established a new park in Lithia Springs, and created the Big Daddy Humanitarian Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works with government to reduce foreclosures and decrease crime by identifying drug dealers; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ashmon has been recognized with numerous honors and accolades, including a Local Government Merit Award of Excellence and Humanitarian Award from the Atlanta Business Journal, a Public Service Award from the Douglas County Democratic Party, and the 2007 Service Award from the 7th Day Adventist Church; and

WHEREAS, he has served with honor and distinction as a Douglas County Commissioner and his vision and unyielding commitment set the standard for public service; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend Mr. Freddie Ashmon, Jr., for his efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated public service to the State of Georgia.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Mr. Freddie Ashmon, Jr.