SR-203, As Adopted by Senate, December 16, 2014

            Senator Richardville offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 203.

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Howard Walker.

            Whereas, It is a privilege to extend the congratulations of the Senate to the Honorable Howard Walker as he leaves this legislative body. For the last four years, he has represented the residents of the Thirty-seventh District with integrity and unflinching values; and

            Whereas, Prior to his arrival in Lansing, Senator Walker was a successful businessman and active community member in his Northern Michigan home. He grew up in St. Ignace and received his bachelor's degree from Michigan Technological University. Beginning his career in the oil and gas industry, he would go on to establish a land surveying business. At the same time, he was involved in a number of community organizations, including the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and Involved Citizens Enterprise (ICE), and he served as a member of the Traverse City Area Public Schools Board. In 2002, he was elected state representative for the One Hundred Fourth House District; and

            Whereas, For the next six years, Senator Walker championed many causes important to Northern Michigan residents and the entire state. An avid outdoorsman, he worked to preserve Michigan's agricultural heritage, protect its environment, and promote renewable energy. In addition, he fought for funding equity for all public schools; and

            Whereas, Senator Walker was elected to the Senate in 2010 and continued his work on educational and natural resource issues. He served on the Appropriations Committee and was chair of the Education Subcommittee and vice chair of the Environmental Quality, Natural Resources, Higher Education, and Corrections Subcommittees. At the same time, he championed legislation to maintain and promote Michigan's tourism industry by protecting the Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species, keeping Michigan's ports and harbors accessible, and encouraging the growth of Michigan's wine, beer, and spirits industry; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Howard Walker for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our entire state; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Senator Walker as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.