REFERENCE TITLE: Greg Jernigan; fifty years; service

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

2023

SR 1005

Introduced by

Senators Petersen: Borrelli (with permission of Committee on Rules)

A Resolution

recognizing the fiftieth anniversary of greg jernigan's exceptional service with the Arizona state senate.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Whereas, Greg Jernigan began his career on the staff of the Arizona State Senate in 1973, serving as Staff Attorney for the Thirty-First Legislature; and

Whereas, born in San Diego, California, Greg grew up in Tucson, where he competed as a varsity athlete in baseball, football and track at Amphitheater High School; and

Whereas, Greg allowed his gaze to shift away from the field and onto the sideline, courting a cheerleader named Susan who would go from being his high school sweetheart to his wife in 1974; and

Whereas, Greg and Susan made their home in the West Valley of Phoenix, raising their two children, Tristan and Allison, and spoiling their six grandchildren, Braedon, Ryne, Madelyn, Jameson, Aedyn and Charleigh; and

Whereas, Greg has served the Legislature with distinction under seventeen Senate Presidents in various roles, including Legal Counsel to the President, Special Legal Counsel, Republican Lawyer for Redistricting, General Counsel and Senate Chief of Staff, as well as an eight-year tenure as the Executive Director of Legislative Council; and

Whereas, Greg is held in high regard for his esteemed representation of the Arizona State Legislature on the Executive Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) from 1982-1987; and

Whereas, Greg has been recognized as a national expert in the areas of reapportionment and redistricting, serving as Staff Chair and a principal author of the NCSL's seminal Redistricting Law 2000, among other endeavors; and

Whereas, Greg has enthusiastically and skillfully represented the Arizona State Legislature on countless softball diamonds, bowling alleys, golf courses and volleyball courts, always giving 110% in the pursuit of victory; and

Whereas, Greg has shown his undying patriotism by only wearing red, white or blue colored clothing his entire career, befitting of one born on the Fourth of July; and

Whereas, Greg has been an invaluable resource for elected members, applying his vast institutional knowledge and one-of-a-kind ability to navigate complex issues in fulfilling member objectives; and

Whereas, Greg's earnest and faithful work product is imprinted throughout the Arizona Revised Statutes and Senate Rules, and, as summarized by the words of one former Senate President, "he's been there long enough that he's in the category of being an institution"; and

Whereas, universally commended by colleagues, legislators and the entire legislative community for his resolution, trustworthiness and high character, Greg has earned the well-deserved respect and admiration of all who have had the privilege of working with him over the decades.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the Senate celebrate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the start of Greg Jernigan's career with the Senate and warmly thank him for his years of excellence and continued service in the years to come.