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

            House Resolution No. 339.

            A resolution of tribute to the Honorable Mary Waters.

            Whereas, The members of the Michigan House of Representatives are indeed honored to salute one of their own, the Honorable Mary Waters, upon the occasion of her retirement from the House. It is a pleasure for the members of this legislative body to join in paying tribute to our friend and colleague, Representative Mary Waters, for her outstanding contributions to the people of the Fourth District and the state of Michigan during her six-year tenure in the House; and

            Whereas, Representative Waters has had a diverse career. A graduate of the University of Michigan, she has worked as a development coordinator for the Children's Center by raising funds for the center. She has also volunteered at the Children's Hospital and Harper Hospital. Representative Waters has also served on the State Collections Practices Board and as a member of the Detroit Charter Commission; and

            Whereas, With these many experiences, it is not surprising that she was elected to represent Michigan citizens in the House of Representatives in 2000. Her leadership skills were soon recognized. Representative Waters was chosen to serve as the Democratic Floor Leader during her second term. She was also reelected to this position for the current term. She is the first African-American woman to hold this position in the House; and

            Whereas, During her years as a lawmaker, she sponsored legislation in a host of areas, including measures dealing with local government bonding, criminal procedures, school funding for districts with declining enrollment, and a supplemental appropriation for the Detroit Zoo. Her dedication to the public interest and her leadership have been impressive, and we are grateful for her valuable contributions; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the highest tribute be accorded to the Honorable Mary Waters, a respected colleague and outstanding public servant; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Waters as a reflection of our esteem.