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

House Resolution No. 201.

A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for former Wayne County Executive Edward H. McNamara.

            Whereas, The members and staff of the Michigan Legislature are saddened by the loss of Ed McNamara, a gentleman who truly embodied “the call to public service” throughout his career.  To his wife, his children, and his grandchildren we extend our deepest sympathies and hope that knowledge of the impact of his life on the city of Livonia, on Wayne County, and on the state of Michigan provide some measure of comfort; and

            Whereas, Ed McNamara served the citizens of Wayne County as an elected official for more than 40 years and finished his career at the end of his fourth term as Wayne County Executive in December 2002.  He also served as Mayor of Livonia, Wayne County’s second largest city, between 1970-1986.  As Mayor of Livonia, Mr. McNamara presided over the city during a period of remarkable economic growth during the 1970s and 1980s; and

            Whereas, During his tenure as Wayne County Executive, Mr. McNamara restored fiscal stability to Wayne County’s government by erasing a $135 million deficit.  His administration recorded 16 consecutive balanced budgets.  As Wayne County Executive, Mr. McNamara was a tremendous builder.  Under his watch, Wayne County built a new jail, a new medical examiner’s facility, and a new juvenile justice facility; and

            Whereas, Ed McNamara transformed Wayne County Detroit Metro Airport.  The airport underwent a $1.6 billion capital improvement project that resulted in the construction of two new runways and a new midfield terminal, which opened in February 2002.  The terminal is named in Mr. McNamara’s honor, and has helped make Metro Airport into one of the most modern and efficient airports in the world; and

            Whereas, Ed McNamara also engineered the return of the Detroit Lions to the city of Detroit by brokering an innovative financing agreement between the Lions, the Detroit Tigers, the city of Detroit, and Wayne County, which resulted in Comerica Park and Ford Field; and

            Whereas, The McNamara administration was marked by innovation and creativity.  Wayne County pioneered health care coverage for the working poor and the indigent, and developed new approaches to criminal and juvenile justice.  Wayne County was also a national leader in economic development between 1997-2001; and

            Whereas, Ed McNamara also inspired many of his employees to pursue careers in public service.  His former employees include Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans, and Mike Duggan, the current CEO of the Detroit Medical Center and the former Wayne County Prosecutor.  Former McNamara employees also serve in the Michigan House of Representatives, the Michigan Senate, and as mayors and council members; and

            Whereas, Ed McNamara’s greatest commitment and loyalty was to his family:  his wife of 57 years, Lucille, his five children Colleen, Michael, Nancy, Kevin, and Terry, and his five grandchildren, and

            Whereas, His service, contributions, and gifts will long benefit the city of Livonia, Wayne County, and the state of Michigan; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Ed McNamara, for his 40 years of honorable and commendable public service; and be it further

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

.