The House’s outgoing chief clerk, Robin Jones, was honored for his work in the legislature on Tuesday.

Before his retirement at the end of the session, he shared wisdom with lawmakers.   

Jones began his career at the Capitol in 1991 as a member of the legislative legal services team. He then served on the legislative council until 2016, when he became Assistant Chief Clerk of the House. He assumed the role of Chief Clerk in 2020. 

“Throughout his career, Robin set the gold standard for quality of work, commitment to the non-partisan ethic of legislative staff, and dedication to serving legislators and colleagues,” House members wrote in their tribute to Jones.

“There’s a lot of energy in this room and in this building. Some of it positive, a lot of it can be negative,” Jones said in a short speech to the chamber.

He then shared a moment he witnessed the day before that he said gave him hope that the energy in the building could change for the better.  

Jones said he watched as two unnamed individuals who hadn’t gotten along in the past made amends.  

“If (those two) can get along, then everyone should be able to get along,” he said. “We have more in common than we don’t. Focus on that.”

Jones also reminded legislators to respect their colleagues and give them their undivided attention when they are presenting a bill. 

“Decorum is really important,” he said. “When someone comes down and presents a bill, it is their bill and it is important to them, and they are sharing it with you. Please show and give them the respect and listen to what they’re saying, because it’s theirs and they’re doing it and they want people to know.”

Jones received a standing ovation from the chamber. 

As Chief Clerk, he oversaw administrative duties in the House, including record-keeping and facilitating communication between legislators and staff.