The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 323. 

            A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Clarence E. Phillips, former member of the House of Representatives.

            Whereas, The members and staff of this legislative body were saddened to learn of the passing of Clarence E. Phillips, who served his community, his state, and his country with dedication and unselfishness throughout his life. We join with citizens throughout his beloved hometown of Pontiac in expressing our condolences to his family and friends; and

            Whereas, A proud native son of Pontiac, Clarence Phillips took on a wide range of leadership roles over the course of his life. He was a veteran of four years with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era and devoted another 10 years as an instructor in the reserves. Clarence Phillips, a graduate of  Oakland University and an alumnus of the JFK School of Government at Harvard, worked in secondary education for 25 years, serving as a teacher and as a director of alternative education for seven years; and

            Whereas, This same sense of duty led him to numerous veterans and civic groups over the years and to city government in Pontiac, where he was elected three times to the city council. In 2001, he brought his talents and experiences in local government and education to Lansing and the Michigan House of Representatives. As a lawmaker, Clarence Phillips was a strong voice for education and young people, and he also contributed to the legislative process as a member of the Appropriations Committee. Reelected twice, he returned to Pontiac as mayor following his election in 2005. There he took on the many challenges facing the city in an era of grave economic stress with the same commitment he brought to so many ventures throughout his life; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Clarence E. Phillips, a member of this legislative body from 2001 to 2005; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Phillips family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.