Assembly Resolution No. 485

BY: M. of A. Friend

CONGRATULATING Mark Watts upon the occasion of his
retirement after 38 years of distinguished service
to the Chemung County Soil and Water District

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Mark Watts upon the occasion of his retirement after 38
years of distinguished service to the Chemung County Soil and Water
District; and

WHEREAS, Mark Watts began his illustrious career with the Chemung
County Soil and Water District in the summer of 1983, as a 21-year old
technician to assist with the Conservation Tillage Program; the
following year he graduated with an Associate degree in Animal Science;
and

WHEREAS, In 1987, Mark Watts became the District Field Manager
before being promoted to District Manager in 1990, the esteemed position
from which he will retire; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Mark Watts was instrumental in countless
projects and initiatives, including the Old Chemung Canal, Bentley Creek
PL-566, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Dam Maintenance, Sperr Park Project,
Stormwater Engineer Team-MS4, Countywide Stream Equipment Program,
Emergency Stream Intervention Program, Catherine Valley Trail, State
Route 14 Angler's Parking Lot, House Buyout Program, Town of Southport
Wetland Project, White Wagon Boat Launch and numerous stream jobs
throughout the County; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, throughout his tenure, which traversed nearly
four decades, Mark Watts was vital to the success of the Southern Tier
Agricultural Enhancement Program, Agricultural Legislative Tours, the
AEM program, manure storage constructions, and the Agricultural Plastic
Recycling Program; and

WHEREAS, Mark Watts grew up on his family's dairy and beef farm at
1046 Dutch Hill Road in Pine City, New York; in 2003, after the death of
his father, Mark and his brother Jim took over the operation, and
continue to run the farm today; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Mark Watts has been the proud recipient of numerous awards
and accolades, including Who's Who in Students of America, Certificate
of Achievement in 4-H, Certificate of Achievement in Agricultural
Business, New York Farm Bureau Citizenship Award, Dekalb Agricultural
Accomplishment Award, John Cattell Memorial Scholarship, 4-H Scholarship
Award, Willard F. Crone Award and the Daughters of the American
Revolution Conservation Medal; and


WHEREAS, While he is passionate about many things, in his spare time
Mark Watts enjoys woodworking, hunting and being with his family; and

WHEREAS, For 38 years, Mark Watts rendered faithful, conscientious
and valuable service to Chemung County, earning the admiration, esteem
and affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Mark Watts over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication
to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mark Watts upon the occasion of his retirement, and to wish
him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mark Watts.