A JOINT MEMORIAL

PROCLAIMING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2005 AS "LOVE AND SUPPORT YOUR LEGISLATOR DAY".

     WHEREAS, when people decide to throw their hats in the ring and run for seats in the New Mexico legislature, they have visions of solving great problems, participating in significant debates and earning the gratitude of their constituents; and

     WHEREAS, once elected, there are those occasions when great problems are solved, significant debates do occur and constituents are grateful; and

     WHEREAS, the actual work of legislators is much more demanding than the general public and constituents imagine because solutions to complicated problems must be forged among competing interests, the time to address these solutions is very short and not every problem can be solved; and

     WHEREAS, because New Mexico has a citizen legislature, after every legislative session, legislators return home to resume their normal lives and yet they still have year-round responsibilities as legislators to the state, their districts and their constituents; and

     WHEREAS, many New Mexicans recognize the amount of dedication, time, effort, sacrifice and energy involved in serving as a member of the legislature and express their gratitude to those who accept the challenge of public service; and

     WHEREAS, the alliance of area agencies on aging and senior network providers offer their special thanks to the members of the legislature for their work to improve the quality of life for senior citizens;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Monday, February 14, 2005, be proclaimed "Love and Support Your Legislator Day" to honor and recognize members of the New Mexico legislature for their hard work and dedication to the people of New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to each member of the New Mexico legislature as a reminder that legislators are loved and supported by the senior citizens of New Mexico.