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 77th 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.
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