MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2013 1st Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Frazier, Horhn, Blount, Norwood, Browning, Burton, Butler (36th), Butler (38th), Dawkins, Gollott, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jones, Jordan, Kirby, Lee, Longwitz, Parker, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th), Stone

Senate Concurrent Resolution 507

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF LONGTIME HINDS COUNTY SUPERVISOR AND FORMER LEGISLATOR DOUGLAS "DOUG" ANDERSON OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

     WHEREAS, the Legislature and the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend, colleague, gentleman and Hinds County icon with the death of longtime Hinds County District 2 Supervisor and former Mississippi Representative and State Senator Douglas "Doug" Anderson, 74, on Saturday, April 13, 2013.  Anderson was known for his candor and was a very strong and determined individual according to his colleagues.  While in the Legislature, he was an effective advocate for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in our state; and

     WHEREAS, former Representative/Senator Anderson had a lengthy career in politics and taught math at Jackson State University.  He also served 12 years in the Mississippi Senate and four years in the State House of Representatives.  Doug Anderson was first elected to office in 1976 as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives.  In 1980, he was elected to the Mississippi State Senate where he served District 27 until 1992.  In November of 1993, he was elected to the Hinds County Board of Supervisors where he represented the 2nd District.  Prior to being elected to public office, Mr. Anderson served as an educator from 1965-1987 in the Meridian Public Schools, Jackson Public Schools and Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Jackson State University; and

     WHEREAS, since being elected to the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, Mr. Anderson had developed a reputation as a watchdog for taxpayers' dollars, an advocate for fiscal responsibility, and "good government."  Mr. Anderson was committed to eliminating government waste and providing stronger programs in housing, education, law enforcement and health services; and

     WHEREAS, Doug was a native of Jackson, Mississippi, and the 11th of 12 children.  He was a graduate of Jackson Public Schools and Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and received a Master's Degree from Oklahoma University in Norman, Oklahoma; and

     WHEREAS, in the Mississippi House of Representatives, he served on various committees, including, Public Health and Welfare and Universities and Colleges.

     In the Senate, he served on various committees, including: 

     ·  Chairman of Municipalities;

     ·  Chairman of Universities and Colleges;

     ·  Congressional Redistricting;

     ·  Constitution;

     ·  County Affairs;

     ·  Fees, Salaries and Administration;

     ·  Legislative Reapportionment;

     ·  State Budget Committee;

     ·  Judiciary; and

     ·  Appropriations.

     In 1976-1980, he was appointed by the Governor to the following committees: 

     ·  State Health Coordinating Council;

     ·  State Building Commission;

     ·  State Health Project Review Board;

     ·  Governor's Judicial Selection Committee;

     ·  Mississippi Research and Development Council; and

     ·  Central Mississippi Health System Agency; and

     WHEREAS, Outstanding Awards in Mississippi State Government by Doug Anderson include: 

     ·  Delta Sigma Theta Award;

     ·  The Frederick Douglas Statesman Award;

     ·  The National Conference of Black Political Scientists;

     ·  Outstanding Community Service Award;

     ·  The Emma Marshall Mortgage Retirement Fund Award;

     ·  Omega Citizen Of The Year;

     ·  Beta Alpha Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Award;

     ·  Jackson State University National Alumni Association; and

     ·  Metro Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Human Rights; and

     WHEREAS, Doug was affiliated with Cade Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.  Survivors include his wife, the former Josephine Funches, and three children:  Denise, Doug, Jr., and Jackie; and

     WHEREAS, Doug Anderson loved Hinds County and the Mississippi Legislature.  His long service was marked by his commitment to success and recognized leadership.  With a reputation for candor and independence, Mr. Anderson is best known for his strong, issue-oriented style and commitment to community empowerment and the fight against higher taxes, with a history of standing up for the underprivileged citizen.  Doug's public service was exemplified by fairness and sound judgment, and he set the highest standard as leader in the Legislature and on the Hinds County Board of Supervisors and as a friend:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and legacy of public service of longtime Hinds County Supervisor and former Mississippi Representative and State Senator Douglas "Doug" Anderson of Jackson, Mississippi, and express to his family the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing and our thanks for sharing Doug with us and with the State of Mississippi.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mr. Anderson, transmitted to the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.