2001 Senate Joint Resolution 37
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: Gary Watchke's retirement following an exemplary career as a legislative analyst in the service of the Wisconsin legislature.
Whereas, Gary Watchke served the Wisconsin legislature as a legislative analyst in the Legislative Reference Bureau from August 1, 1969, to April 30, 2001; and
Whereas, Gary Watchke was born on February 5, 1940, in New Ulm, Minnesota, and received degrees from Mankato State University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; and
Whereas, he has devoted his professional life to providing the legislature with accurate and impartial information on a wide array of issues, and to providing the people of Wisconsin with a greater understanding of their legislature; and
Whereas, his diligent and patient work with legislators and staff in collecting biographical information and photographs of legislators for the Wisconsin Blue Book made him one of the most knowledgeable authorities on the men and women who have served in the legislature over the past 30 years, and he worked tirelessly at the daunting but vital task of compiling the lengthy elections tables for the Wisconsin Blue Book; and
Whereas, he has written extensively on educational issues and has willingly shared his knowledge and information contacts with legislators and other researchers; and
Whereas, for many years he has written briefs clearly explaining all constitutional amendments that have been proposed and approved for ratification by the voters; and
Whereas, his patience, warmth, and kindness shone through to all of those he helped, from public officials to school children; and
Whereas, he embodied in his genuine care and affection for legislators, staff members, and service agency employees, the idea that the legislature is a family; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature salute Gary Watchke for his 32 years of service to the Wisconsin legislature and the people of Wisconsin; and, be it further
Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to Gary Watchke.
