MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2023 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Roberson

House Resolution 203

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE ESTEEMED AND LAUDABLE LEGISLATIVE CAREER AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE MOST HONORABLE, DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM DESOTO, REPRESENTATIVE DANA CRISWELL.

     WHEREAS, the honorable and distinguished Gentleman from Desoto, Representative Dana Criswell has announced his plans for retirement from the Mississippi House of Representatives at the conclusion of the 2023 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature, after tirelessly working on behalf of the citizens of Mississippi and House District 6, which encompasses Desoto County, marking a triumphant end to eight years of legislative service in the hallowed halls of the Mississippi State Capitol; and

     WHEREAS, before assuming his seat as the member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from District 6 in 2016, Representative Criswell, who was born on October 9, 1963, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, graduated with his bachelor of aviation degree from Delta State University and his master of arts degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe, and served as a pilot for FedEx; and

     WHEREAS, upon his election to the Mississippi House, Dana Criswell became the distinguished Gentleman from Desoto upon being sworn into office on the first day of his first legislative session in January 2016, and wasted no time requesting the legislation, amendments and reports that would help effectuate into law the ideologies and policy changes that his constituents had elected him to further; and

     WHEREAS, during his tenure as a legislator, Representative Criswell has served on the following committees:  Constitution as Vice Chair, Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency as Vice Chair, Appropriations, Drug Policy, Education, Judiciary A, Judiciary B, Judiciary En Banc, Medicaid, Public Health and Human Services, Technology, Tourism, Transportation and Universities and Colleges; and

     WHEREAS, not one to limit his community involvement to the Legislature, Representative Criswell has always been active in his district and dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens, as evidenced by his affiliation with the Airline Pilots Association, National Rifle Association, National Association for Gun Rights, and Desoto County Conservative Coalition; and

     WHEREAS, the members of the House of Representatives will cherish the bond and common goals for the betterment of this great state shared with the Honorable Representative Dana Criswell over the course of the past eight years, and that his impeccable service was unparalleled to the Mississippi Legislature and to the constituents of District 6; and

     WHEREAS, throughout his tenure in public office, Representative Criswell has been showered with continued support, encouragement and love from his family, including:  his wife, the former Julie Strum, and his children, Janine Smith, Ella, Veronica, Josiah and Lena; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the indelible legacy of remarkable service of our colleague and friend, Representative Dana Criswell, who represented his district, this body and the people of this state with honor and intrepid dignity:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the esteemed and laudable legislative career and public service of the most honorable, distinguished Gentleman from Desoto, Representative Dana Criswell, and express fondest respect and best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Representative Dana Criswell and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.