HR1011 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1011 LRB093 22318 KEF 51614 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize John and Beth Couter of Decatur on the occasion of their retirement in 2004; and

WHEREAS, John William Couter is the son of Dr. William and Janet Couter; he graduated with a B.A. in History in 1971 from the University of Notre Dame and continued his education with a J.D. in 1974 from Indiana University School of Law; and

WHEREAS, Upon graduation, he became Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Decatur, he was appointed Acting Corporation Counsel in May of 1987 before being appointed to his current position of Corporation Counsel in September 1987; and

WHEREAS, Beth Brandon Couter is the daughter of Russell and Freda Brandon; she is the mother of 2 sons, Joshua and Chad Oldweiler; she graduated from Millikin University with a B.A. in History and a B.A. in Accounting; she worked as a senior tax accountant at Peat, Marwick, Main from 1981 to 1984; in 1984, she became City of Decatur Staff Accounting Supervisor until 1986; she has acted as the City Comptroller, Assistant Finance Director, and Acting Finance Director before being appointed to her position as Finance Director in December of 1989; she is the first female to be a city department director; she is the past president of the Illinois Governmental Finance Officers Association and an instructor for Leadership Enhancement and Development (LEAD); and

WHEREAS, John and Beth were married on September 3, 1989; they are both involved with volunteer work for Special Olympics, Kiwanis, and the Salvation Army; and

WHEREAS, John was the valedictorian of his kindergarten class; he is also known by his alias "Johnny Vegas"; he is an accomplished saxophone player and will enjoy his time off watching Seinfeld reruns and catching Hoosier and Notre Dame games; and

WHEREAS, Beth will enjoy her time off supporting their local library and eating Jimmy John's sandwiches; she will also remain an avid fan of the Fighting Illini and the Cubs; and

WHEREAS, Their family and friends, Josh and Liz; Chad and Keely; Mrs. Janet Couter; Nancy and Dan Dollison; Tom, Kathy, Janet, and Michael Zito; Bob, Sherry, Will, John and David Couter; Sally, Peter, and Brandon Solana wish them well on their retirement; and

WHEREAS, The Couters have served the city of Decatur for many years and leave a legacy of community involvement and civic concern that will long inspire the citizens of this State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate John and Beth Couter on their retirement and commend their commitment and dedication to the City of Decatur; and we wish them good health and happiness in all of their future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to John and Beth Couter as a token of our respect.