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

            House Resolution No. 17.

            A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Michael Novak, former member of the House.

            Whereas, With the passing of Michael Novak, Michigan has lost one of its longest serving legislators and a gentleman who felt a great commitment to the people and institutions of this state.  To his wife and family we extend our sympathies on the loss of someone whose devotion to public service was exceeded only by his devotion to them; and

            Whereas, A native of Detroit and a proud eastsider, Michael Novak embarked upon his life of community service at a young age in a time when doing so was uncommon.  Only 25 when he was elected to his first term in the House, Representative Novak took his seat in 1943, as our nation faced the challenges of war.  The same competitiveness that had made him a champion golfer in high school and active in the community served him well as the legislature grappled with the problems of the day.  He also distinguished himself through his leadership in neighborhood organizations and his work as a bailiff; and

            Whereas, Representative Novak's 15 terms as a lawmaker made him the Dean of the House of Representatives and the first Democrat in the state's history to hold that distinction.  His career spanned from the days when legislators were paid $3 per day and operated under a constitution from 1908 to the era of oil embargoes and the emergence of the global market in the mid 1970s.  His dedication and unwavering devotion to his beloved district provided a steadying influence for many years.  The respect he had for others and for our system of self-government left an example of service that still benefits our state today; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Michael Novak, a member of this legislative body for a total of 30 years; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Novak family as evidence of our sincere condolences.