HOUSE RESOLUTION 37

In appreciation and recognition of the distinguished record of public service and strong leadership of Charles Samuel Trump IV, leader, statesman and gentleman, to the West Virginia House of Delegates.
WHEREAS, Charles Samuel Trump was born on October 3, 1960, in Winchester, Virginia, and his parents, Mary Lou Trump and the late Charles Samuel Trump III, believed that their young son was destined for public service; and
WHEREAS, Charles exhibited extraordinary intelligence at an early age, something that would later be questioned by one of his offspring; and
WHEREAS, As an eighth grader, Charles was presented the Golden Horseshoe Award for outstanding performance in the test measuring students' knowledge of the state's history and culture; and
WHEREAS, As a participant at Boys State, Charles was presented a certificate by then Secretary of State A. James Manchin proclaiming him to be a Captain of the Ship of State, a rank which was later elevated to Admiral; and
WHEREAS, In high school, Charles was a member of the varsity wrestling team and participated in the state wrestling tournament; and
WHEREAS, After graduation from Berkeley Springs High School, Charles went on to Princeton University where he received his B. A. degree in 1982; and
WHEREAS, He continued his education at the West Virginia University College of Law where he earned not only his Juris Doctor but also the nickname of "Sonar"; and
WHEREAS, While at Princeton, Charles met the girl of his dreams, Susan Keller Johnston, and in 1987 they became man and wife; and
WHEREAS, Charles and Susan are the proud parents of three children, Charles Samuel V, Rebecca Loftus, and Michael Johnston; and
WHEREAS, Following in the footsteps of his politically active parents, Charles entered the political arena in 1988 by running for and being elected to the position of Prosecuting Attorney for Morgan County; and
WHEREAS, In 1992, when the Legislature created a new House district comprised of Morgan County and a portion of Berkeley County, Charles decided that it was time to retire from prosecuting and to try his hand at resoluting; and
WHEREAS, The good citizens of the 51^st Delegate District rewarded his efforts by electing him to the House of Delegates in 1992 and again in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2004; and
WHEREAS, Charles quickly earned the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his intellectual brilliance and he became the go-to-guy on all matters relating to criminal sentencing; and
WHEREAS, Charles so impressed his colleagues in the Minority that they elected him as their Leader in 1998 and again in 2000, 2002, and 2004; and
Whereas, During his tenure in the House, Charles has so entertained his colleagues at Judiciary parties and Speaker's dinners with his talents as a poet that he has become known as the Poet Laureate of the House; and
WHEREAS, The gentleman from the 51^st has decided to put his public service career on hold in favor of watching and cheering on his children at sporting events and to devote more time to the practice of law; and
WHEREAS, Minority Leader Charles S. Trump IV will long be remembered for his contributions to the State of West Virginia which have included pushing for the capping of medical malpractice awards; privatizing workers' compensation, tort reform; and the freeing of Edgar to name a few; and
WHEREAS, He will unfortunately also be forever known as the author of "one of the worst amendments ever seen in fourteen years in the Legislature"; and
WHEREAS, A staunch supporter of the Constitution and a champion of the freedom of the press, Charles has been quick to take the floor to question any measure that he believes is unconstitutional; and
WHEREAS, A believer in the legislative process and the rules that govern it, Charles has never hesitated to take legislative action which he believed was in the best interest of the State of West Virginia and he will be forever immortalized for his demanding of the yeas and nays, even in the face of overwhelming odds; and
WHEREAS, Ever aware of the important role that Abraham Lincoln played in the history of West Virginia, Charles has become known for his Lincoln Birthday speeches; and
WHEREAS, Charles has always championed his causes and challenged legislation which he considered improper as a statesman in the truest sense, always treating those with whom he may have disagreed with the upmost courtesy and respect, both on and off the floor of this House; and
WHEREAS, The Minority Leader Charles S. Trump IV literally and figuratively leaves big shoes to fill and he will be greatly missed by the members of this body; and
WHEREAS, The members of the House of Delegates recognize that this body in general, and the Minority in particular, have been blessed to have had the services of Charles S. Trump for the past fourteen years; and
WHEREAS, We regretfully bid our esteemed and distinguished colleague, Minority Leader Charles S. Trump IV, leader, statesman and gentleman, a fond farewell and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
Resolved by the House of Delegates of the 77^th Legislature:
That the House of Delegates hereby recognizes the distinguished record of public service and strong leadership of Charles Samuel Trump IV, leader, statesman and gentleman, to the West Virginia House of Delegates, publicly thanks him for his many years of service to the State and to his district, and wishes him all the best in future years.