Mr. Speaker, Trudy Edgar has served as my executive assistant for the past 11 years. I hired her, having witnessed her dedication to our community in the 12 years she had served as assistant to my predecessor. She agreed to stay on but warned she would not stay long.
Every few years she would bring up retirement and I would agree that someday we should talk, and never bring it up again.
She has been the heart of our office. She is the first to show up and the last to leave, the person who has taught, challenged, and cared for the stream of staff that have flowed through our offices. Through good and bad, she has been the source of wisdom and encouragement for me and my family. She has served my constituents with great care and compassion.
I am thankful for the sacrifices that she, her family, and her husband, Lance, have made so she could serve.
A couple of months ago, Trudy brought up retirement again, and this time she would not let me avoid it. Trudy will be missed. She has been a caring public servant, a teacher, and a friend.
On behalf of my constituents, staff, and family, we wish her good health and many blessings in the years to come.