46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

OFFERING THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES' DEEP CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF OUR LONG-TIME COLLEAGUE, JERRY BEERS.

WHEREAS, Geraldine "Jerry" Beers was born in North Dakota on November 29, 1930, coming from good Scandinavian stock and never forgetting her linguistic roots, even after fifty years in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, Jerry worked in state government for many years, assisting some of New Mexico's key political figures like Joe Bursey, the state tourism director in the 1950s; Governor Jack Campbell; David Norvell, former speaker of the house of representatives and attorney general; Al Romero, former chief clerk of the house of representatives and state auditor; and Stephen R. Arias, current chief clerk of the house; and

WHEREAS, working for the house of representatives each session for thirty years, Jerry Beers tracked the movement of all legislation in the house and was "The Expert" on the house process, understanding it better than anyone else; and

WHEREAS, she kept the nitty-gritty related to bills moving, logging in all messages from the senate, getting all items ready for the floor and answering hundreds of questions a day related to "where is it?"; and

WHEREAS, Jerry was the "Queen of Behind-the-Scenes", the lady at the end of the "hot line" who was always able to keep us all on track and provide for the efficient process for which the house is renowned; and

WHEREAS, we depended on Jerry's high standard of perfection in carrying out the hands-on functions of the chief clerk's office, which is absolutely essential to the smooth functioning of the legislative process; and

WHEREAS, Jerry was always cooperative and willing to assist other legislative agencies and was the source for all information related to house actions; and

WHEREAS, Jerry loved her work for the state and the house of representatives and was respected by all who encountered her, be they elected officials or those many, many folks to whom she taught the legislative process and respect for the institution of the legislature; and

WHEREAS, she was a willing and enthusiastic proponent of perfection, and her work ethic and standards for the highest quality work product served as an example for all of us and a goal to which we can all aspire; and

WHEREAS, those who knew her will always remember her commitment to the highest ideals of public service, her remarkable ability to get along with and teach people and her dedication to the house of representatives;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it extend its heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Jerry's husband Don Beers, her daughter Lori Beers-Ashoo and her beloved grandchildren and that it express its gratitude for Jerry's work on behalf of the New Mexico legislature; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the family of Jerry Beers.