SR-9, As Adopted by Senate, February 13, 2007

            Senators George, Brater, Scott, Clark-Coleman, Whitmer, Thomas, Hunter, Cropsey, Jelinek, Van Woerkom, Stamas, Clarke, Hardiman, Jansen, Gilbert, Bishop, Sanborn, Patterson, Kahn, Richardville, Birkholz, McManus, Cherry, Allen, Schauer, Olshove, Anderson, Prusi, Jacobs, Gleason, Garcia, Pappageorge, Brown and Switalski offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 9.

            A resolution of tribute offered to honor Jerry Lawler, Executive Director of the Capitol Committee and Director of the Legislative Council Facilities Agency.

            Whereas, With the retirement of Jerry Lawler from the Michigan Legislature after 38 years of service, the people of Michigan will greatly miss the talents and dedication of this amazing gentleman who served the Legislature and state so well during a unique period of our history. He laid the foundation for procedures and policies which will guide those managing the Capitol for decades to come. As we celebrate his accomplishments and leadership, we also pay tribute to the extraordinary integrity and enthusiasm that has epitomized Jerry Lawler’s service in the Michigan Legislature; and

            Whereas, Born in Clare, Iowa, Jerry is the son of Cork and Ruth Lawler. Expressing an interest in government early in his life, Jerry participated in a White House program called Democracy’s Challenge to Youth in 1965. He graduated from Drake University and worked for the Iowa Legislative Service Bureau prior to his service in Michigan; and

            Whereas, In 1989, Jerry assumed the position of Executive Director of the Capitol Committee and oversaw the entire restoration of the Michigan State Capitol, which won highest honors from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1992. In addition, the Capitol was declared a National Historic Landmark because of the great success of the restoration. Jerry truly played a key role in this major Michigan accomplishment, coordinating operations and guiding everyone involved with his unique style, sense of excellence, teamwork, and historical expertise; and

            Whereas, Jerry is an avid history buff, specializing in early Michigan and Lansing history and is considered the leading scholar in the country on John Lansing, the man for whom the city of Lansing is named. Jerry is also a longtime collector of Capitol memorabilia and donated the bulk of his collection in 2004, which is now on display in the Capitol. His commitment to caring for the Capitol Building and ensuring that it stands as a true public forum, open to all, has earned Jerry the affectionate nickname "Mr. Capitol"; and

            Whereas, In today’s world where the word "hero" is used lightly and often, Jerry Lawler stands tall as a true hero, driven by a strong sense of service to others. In addition to the several positions he has held in the Michigan Legislature, Jerry also served his country in the U.S. Army and has been involved in numerous community projects, including flood cleanup in 1975 and co-chairing a steering committee that worked on the remodeling and reconstruction of East Lansing High School in 2000. In every instance, Jerry has always brought a commonsense approach to problems and an unshakable commitment to duty; and

            Whereas, Jerry is married to Connie and enjoys spending time with her and his children and grandchildren. MSU Spartan games and family vacations at Cedar Point are among his favorite family events; and

            Whereas, Everyone who has worked with Jerry in the Capitol through the years, whether Governor, legislator, staff, protestor, or visitor, has been extremely impressed by his intelligence, genius for organization, fairness, sense of humor, and professionalism. The people of Michigan owe Jerry a great debt of gratitude for his hard work and commitment to preserving a portion of our past. He has given well of his time and talent and many have benefited from his unwavering dedication; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor Jerry Lawler; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Jerry Lawler as evidence of our high esteem.