SR0378 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0378 LRB104 14382 MST 27518 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to commend Roger L. Byrne on his years of service to the Village of Vernon Hills; and

WHEREAS, Roger Byrne and his wife, Cathy, have lived in the Village of Vernon Hills since 1977, moving from the south side of Chicago to become one of the first homeowners in the Deerpath neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Roger Byrne has served his community tirelessly, beginning in 1987 as village trustee until being elected village president beginning in 1993; and

WHEREAS, Roger Byrne has advocated for the best interests of all during his 38 years of public service, believing in the importance of communication and collaboration to do what is best for all residents, businesses, and non-profit partners; and

WHEREAS, Roger Byrne has been instrumental in bringing all entities to the table and ensuring that schools, park districts, library districts, and fire protection districts receive the support they need to be among the best in the nation; and

WHEREAS, Roger Byrne oversaw tremendous growth for the Village of Vernon Hills; resident population increased from 9,827 in 1980 to 26,850 in 2020 as the village added several new, well-planned housing developments and neighborhoods; businesses flocked to the village, including nearly 300 restaurants and retailers, and the community is home to hundreds of small businesses and large corporations, including several world headquarters and Fortune 500 companies; and

WHEREAS, Roger Byrne's initial tasks in 1993 included developing the village's first strategic plan, which focused on housing options, a post office, a Metra station, a library, and a high school, which have all become reality; and

WHEREAS, Roger Byrne played an integral part in creating the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex, and on June 26, 2001, officials were breaking ground on the new facility, which continues to serve athletes and families from the wider region and across the nation; other efforts that benefited from his hard work and support include the creation of Vernon Hills High School, the development of Mellody Farm, the rebirth of Hawthorn Mall, and the annexation and development of what became the Gregg's Landing subdivision; and

WHEREAS, Roger Byrne has been a leader not only for the Village of Vernon Hills but also for the entire region; and

WHEREAS, Roger Byrne is the ninth and longest-serving village president and has overseen the growth of his community as it moved from tracts of empty farm fields to become an award-winning community filled with vibrant neighborhoods, strong businesses, outstanding schools, and exceptional services; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Roger L. Byrne on his service to the Village of Vernon Hills, and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Roger Byrne as a symbol of our respect and esteem.