2005 Assembly Resolution 13
ENGROSSED RESOLUTION
Relating to: commending assembly records clerk Ken Stigler on the occasion of his retirement from a 34-year career of outstanding service to the Wisconsin assembly and the people of Wisconsin.
Whereas, Ken Stigler, records clerk of the Wisconsin state assembly, has been a dedicated employee of the assembly since January 14, 1971; and
Whereas, Ken began his legislative career as a journal clerk and became the records clerk in 1988, serving in that position for 17 years, and becoming a master of both; and
Whereas, he has faithfully and enthusiastically discharged his responsibilities both as journal clerk and as records clerk of the Wisconsin state assembly and has never missed one session day over all the years; and
Whereas, Ken's tenure in the assembly encompasses 17 full legislative sessions under the direction of 10 assembly speakers and 10 chief clerks; and
Whereas, Ken is known for his ability to work long hours on session days, the "honor" that he was first "awarded" on New Year's Day 1973 when the assembly decided to adopt the rule changes on Inauguration Day, a session day that lasted until midnight; and
Whereas, his professionalism and evenhandedness enabled him to earn the respect of all members, allowing him to serve both Democratic and Republican majorities with aplomb during his long tenure; and
Whereas, Ken epitomized the role of keeper of the institutional memory and has been called the dean of legislative minutia, and his career reflected a love for the legislative institution and a commitment to the legislative process; and
Whereas, he was in the forefront of automating the legislative process and increasing efficiency in the assembly chief clerk's office, and he played a role in the migration from ATMS/Stairs to TEXT 2000; and
Whereas, Ken was involved with the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries, which honored him in 1997 as a corecipient of the Innovations Award for his work on ComClerk, a computer program developed to aid committee clerks in the Wisconsin legislature in maintaining records and producing reports on legislative activity for their committees; and
Whereas, he is recognized as an unsung hero who did his job well without regard for personal recognition; and
Whereas, Ken is a family man, twice over, both in regard to his devotion to his wife, Pam, and figure-skating daughter, Amy, and in regard to his extensive legislative family; and
Whereas, Ken's appreciation for history and antiques is evidenced by his choice of cars over the years; and
Whereas, Ken is an avid Packer and Badger fan even without ever having cable television; and
Whereas, Ken will be missed by members of the assembly who relied on him for guidance and information (even those who did not follow his advice); and
Whereas, the assembly and his colleagues will miss Ken's humor, kindness, vast knowledge, and ability to work long hours, and the people of Wisconsin will miss his professional competence, dedication, and attention to detail; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, That the members of the Wisconsin assembly, on their own behalfs and on behalf of all of the legislative staff members who have been privileged to work with Ken and who have contributed their sentiments to the drafting of this resolution, express warm appreciation to Ken for his 34 years of valuable and devoted service, salute his integrity, honesty, and love of the legislative institution, and wish him a long, fruitful, healthy, and happy retirement; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk, in the presence of the members of the assembly and Ken Stigler's many appreciative colleagues, shall present a copy of this resolution, along with the invitation of the assembly to visit and share with its members on June evenings of odd-numbered years, to Ken, and to his wife, Pam, and daughter, Amy.
