A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING FRED LUNA, AN EXTRAORDINARY NEW MEXICAN.

     WHEREAS, Representative Fred Luna's public service to the state of New Mexico as a member of the house of representatives spans four decades, a period of time longer than the lifetimes of some members of the house, and serves as testimony to his dedication and perseverance; and

     WHEREAS, "Chairman Luna", as he is reverently known in the capitol, educated untold numbers of colleagues in the traditions and culture of legislative life in New Mexico through his service and steady leadership on most of the house committees that exist today; and

     WHEREAS, Representative Luna's respect for public office, principled statesmanship and commitment to his constituents and the people of the state of New Mexico transcend traditional partisan considerations and establish Representative Luna as a role model for all public servants; and

     WHEREAS, Representative Luna knows that the real test of legislative proficiency is measured not by the number of bills introduced or by the frequency with which one rises to debate, but rather by the breadth of one's influence and the professionalism and integrity with which one exercises that influence; and

     WHEREAS, Representative Luna's considerable influence will be felt in the house of representatives well into the future; and

     WHEREAS, Representative Luna, never one to lose sight of the fact that the legislature is the branch of government closest to the people and that the house of representatives is the body within that branch that is closer still, served with, but never under, six governors, four speakers of the house and six senate presidents pro tempore; and

     WHEREAS, Representative Luna's longstanding chairmanship of the house business and industry committee, which dates from 1987, will be looked upon as a model for all committee chairs who seek to emulate his unfailing fairness, unflinching decisiveness and remarkable thoroughness and knowledge of the issues; and

     WHEREAS, Representative Luna will always be remembered as a gentleman, statesman and loving family man;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that sincere appreciation and heartfelt affection be extended to Representative Fred Luna, an extraordinary New Mexican, for his service to his colleagues, his constituents and the people of the state of New Mexico.