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TO EXPRESS GRATEFUL APPRECIATION FOR THE YEARS OF EXTRAORDINARY DEDICATION IN SERVICE PROVIDED BY MARK LAZARUS TO THE PEOPLE OF HORRY COUNTY AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AS A MEMBER AND AS CHAIRMAN OF HORRY COUNTY COUNCIL.
Whereas, Mark Lazarus first served on Horry County Council as District 2 representative (2003-2006). He was also a long-standing member of the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, assisting in directing revenues allocated by state law for promoting tourism. He was chosen by special election to serve the remaining term of then Chairman Tom Rice (2013-2014), Mr. Rice having been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (District 7) and having resigned his post as council chair. Mr. Lazarus, having served as chair since January 2015, will begin a well-deserved retirement in December 2018; and
Whereas, as chairman, Mr. Lazarus assumed the duties of overseeing the order of council's business, presiding over all meetings, and exercising the leadership attendant with the position in trying budgetary times, in times of crisis (hurricanes and fire emergencies), and with respect to critical issues facing the county relating to funding, public safety, and infrastructure needs, among other issues; and
Whereas, during his tenure as chairman, Mark Lazarus has spearheaded many projects for the benefit of Horry County, including the establishment of litter crews and trash-cleanup days and the purchase of approximately 3,700 acres of land to be preserved for conservation and the establishment of a needed and valuable wetlands mitigation bank. One of his greatest accomplishments includes the directing of $23 million annually toward Horry County's construction of I-73. Sourced by local funding, this contribution will continue indefinitely; and
Whereas, in addition, Chairman Lazarus has led in the establishment of a special police task force to combat crime and in the equipping of police officers with body cams and upgrades in technology, the funding of numerous crucial road projects in Horry County, the tightening of regulation of adult entertainment and night clubs, beach renourishment, construction of several new fire stations, stability of the work force during extremely difficult economic times, and pay raises and a health clinic for employees. Further projects benefiting from Chairman Lazarus's leadership include the construction of a new airport terminal and facilities; emergency preparedness, operations, and recovery; economic development, to include several new industries locating to, and expanding in, the county, creating numerous needed and well-paying jobs; and
Whereas, through exercising his outstanding leadership skills, Chairman Lazarus was able to marshal the diverse interests of eleven other councilmen on Horry County Council, men representing eleven unique and divergent single-member districts, to achieve common direction and achievement of goals, leading to the coining and proud use of the phrase, "Team Horry." Mr. Lazarus also fostered good relations with the county's municipalities and the local state and congressional delegations; and
Whereas, as a result of his contributions, the tourism industry continues to grow as the Grand Strand's most important industry, and other businesses have relocated to the county and expanded, bringing new amenities and accommodations, as well as a booming construction industry and thriving local economy; and
Whereas, Chairman Lazarus has provided guidance and effectively and efficiently utilized the talents of staff and other resources, resulting in enhanced customer service and policies that improve quality of life in the community. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express grateful appreciation for the years of extraordinary dedication in service provided by Mark Lazarus to the people of Horry County and the State of South Carolina as a member and as chairman of Horry County Council.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mark Lazarus.
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