TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE HONORABLE JOEL E. HODGES FOR HIS EIGHTEEN YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE HANAHAN CITY COUNCIL AND TO WISH HIM MUCH SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that Joel E. Hodges, city council member for the City of Hanahan, has begun his well-deserved retirement after giving nearly two decades of his time, talents, leadership, and experience to the City of Hanahan as a devoted public servant; and

Whereas, throughout his years of service, Council Member Hodges has made numerous contributions to the successes of the City of Hanahan, some of which include passage of the city's comprehensive land use plan and the development of a capital improvement plan; development of a storm water management program and a city park trail system; the development of Tanner Plantation and the BI-LO Shopping center; the construction of Fire Station 3, the Hanahan Senior Center, and the city amphitheater; the Downtown Revitalization Project and the Murray Drive Sidewalk Project; and the creation of the Village Renaissance Project in the Charleston Farms area; and

Whereas, in addition, during his tenure on the Hanahan City Council, he assisted with the rehabilitation of the gymnasium facility next to City Hall; collaborated with the Army Corps of Engineers to tackle flooding issues within the city; coordinated to ensure the success of the Red, White and Blue Festival; promoted the creation of a city website; ensured the provision of a traffic light on North Rhett and Tanner Ford Boulevard; advocated for the creation of an historical marker for the Bowens Corner area; went to great lengths to ensure the approval of the construction of Bowens Corner Elementary School in Tanner Plantation; participated in planning the Murray Drive Intersection and Railroad Avenue extension; and, most recently, contributed to the conception of the fifty-three acre park; and

Whereas, in addition to his work with the city, Council Member Hodges was the chairman for Relay for Life in 2003, served as Mayor Pro-Tem on the Hanahan City Council, and volunteered as a mentor with the Lunch Buddy Program at Hanahan Elementary School; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives recognizes that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Joel E. Hodges, who use their time and many talents to serve and inspire others. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and commend the Honorable Joel E. Hodges for his eighteen years of dedicated service as a member of the Hanahan City Council and wish him much success and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Joel E. Hodges.