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

            House Resolution No. 8.

            A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Frank M. Fitzgerald, former member of the House of Representatives.

            Whereas, The members and staff of the Michigan Legislature were shocked and saddened by the loss of Frank Fitzgerald, a gentleman who truly embodied the highest standards of public service throughout his tenure as a lawmaker and in all aspects of his professional life. To his wife, parents, son, and daughter we extend our deepest sympathies and hope that knowledge of the impact of his life on our state can provide some measure of comfort; and

            Whereas, Few families are more closely associated with selfless service to Michigan than the Fitzgeralds. Following the example of his great grandfather, a State Representative, his grandfather, a Governor, and his father, a State Senator, Court of Appeals Judge, and Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice, Frank Fitzgerald turned his concern for others to a life in public service and the law.  He was a graduate of the College of William and Mary and Cooley Law School, and he worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Eaton County prior to his first election to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1986; and

            Whereas, Over the course of his 12 years as a lawmaker, Frank Fitzgerald exerted an enormous positive impact on our state and the institution of the Michigan Legislature. A man of great determination, integrity, and warmth, he bridged partisan divisions with reason and forged meaningful solutions. As a Co-Speaker Pro Tempore, Representative Fitzgerald was a key figure behind the success of the historic shared power arrangement of the Eighty-seventh Legislature in 1993-94; and

            Whereas, Frank Fitzgerald's policy accomplishments were many, and included his leadership on traffic safety issues. After his legislative tenure, he continued to engage his talents for the good of the people of Michigan as the head of the Office of Financial and Insurance Services.  Most importantly, he brought to the often-contentious arena of politics a unique combination of civility, principle, and effectiveness throughout his entire career.  His gifts will long benefit our state; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of our friend and former colleague, Frank M. Fitzgerald, a member of this legislative body from 1987 to 1998; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Fitzgerald family as evidence of the admiration we will always hold for his memory.