Service is in Paul Hicks’ blood.
The former Hastings mayor and longtime city councilmember was honored by members of the Minnesota House Monday with a resolution read in his honor.
Hicks serves as Front Office Supervisor in the Chief Clerk’s Office and is retiring in August. He was worked in the House office for 41 years.
Rep. Leon Lillie of North St. Paul introduced the resolution.
“We are truly blessed by amazing staff around here and so with great honor, we’re going to do a resolution for one of the best. He’s retiring after 41 years. He’s a really neat guy. I call him mayor, because he’s from Hastings and was mayor there and on the council. If you’ve ever been on the bonding tours and you’re in the City of Hastings, he has his picture all over because he was on so long,” said Lillie. “Paul’s been a friend to us all.”
The resolution notes that Hicks was born and raised in Hastings and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He was then hired as a temporary administrative assistance in the front office of the Minnesota House in 1983.
“On Nov. 1, 1983, Paul was hired permanently into the chief clerk’s office. Over the years since, he has been the recipient of numerous promotions, ultimately assume the role of front office supervisor in 2015,” the resolution states.
The House members noted Hicks’ dedication to all things Minnesota, as well as his professionalism.
“Paul has consistently upheld the highest standards of nonpartisan professionalism. He has run hundreds of mock sessions for groups, provided countless legislative documents to visitors at the front office counter, and he has delivered thousands of messages to the Senate,” the resolution states. “Paul is a well-respected employee who cares deeply about his work, who makes learning about parliamentary procedure and House rules fun and who has great respect for the integrity of the legislative process.”
The resolution closed, “The House of Representatives of the state of Minnesota extends its deepest thanks and heartfelt appreciation to Paul Hicks for his many years of valuable service and dedication to the Minnesota Legislature and citizens of the state of Minnesota.”
Hicks was presented with a copy of the resolution and received a resounding standing ovation from House members.