A SENATE RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of Mark Gerald binker, former member of the north carolina capital press corps.
Whereas, Mark Gerald Binker was born on December 29, 1973, to Gerald and Barbara Binker; and
Whereas, Mark Binker graduated with a degree in psychology from Johns Hopkins University in 1995 and earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Maryland; and
Whereas, Mark Binker began his career in North Carolina as a reporter for the Greensboro News & Record, covering topics related to the Guilford County Commissioners, the Greensboro City Council, the High Point City Council, and the General Assembly; and
Whereas, in 2012, Mark Binker joined @NCCapitol at WRAL‑TV in Raleigh, reporting on and investigating subjects related to State and federal government, including the General Assembly; and
Whereas, in March 2017, Mark Binker became editor for NC Insider, a State government newsletter owned by the (Raleigh) News & Observer; and
Whereas, Mark Binker served as past president of the North Carolina Capital Press Corps, in which capacity he assisted with the development of the organization's bylaws and policies; and
Whereas, through his participation with CapitalBeat, a national media organization, Mark Binker assisted with training journalists around the country on how to become better statehouse reporters; and
Whereas, Mark Binker spent over a decade covering politics in North Carolina; and
Whereas, Mark Binker was greatly admired and respected by those he covered, many of whom described him as an outstanding, tough but fair professional member of the media; and
Whereas, in an article written on WRAL.com, Mark Binker was described as "dogged, irascible, funny and kind, always ready to take on an intern or help a young reporter find his or her way"; and
Whereas, Mark Binker was deeply devoted to his wife and doted on his sons, spending much of his spare time coaching their sports teams and helping them with various school projects; and
Whereas, Mark Binker died on April 29, 2017, at the far too young age of 43; and
Whereas, in addition to his parents, Mark Binker leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Marla Binker; their two sons, Mason Binker and Max Binker; in‑laws, Bob and Fran Smith; brothers‑in‑law, Richard Smith and David Smith; and countless friends, colleagues, and readers; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
SECTION 1.  The Senate honors the memory of Mark Binker, a reporter of enormous talent, intellect, institutional knowledge, and professional dedication, and expresses its appreciation for his contributions to the field of journalism.
SECTION 2.  The Senate extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Mark Binker for the loss of a beloved family member.
SECTION 3.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Mark Binker.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.