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

            House Resolution No. 353.   

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Ed Clemente.

            Whereas, It is most appropriate that the members of this legislative body commend our colleague, Representative Ed Clemente as he brings to a close his tenure as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives. Over the course of the past six years, Ed Clemente has earned a reputation for hard work and commitment, and this is reflected by his outstanding record of accomplishment. Clearly, the people of the Great Lakes State and, in particular, those in the Fourteenth Representative District have all benefited from his efforts as a lawmaker; and

            Whereas, Ed Clemente brought a rich and varied background of experience in the private sector, county government, and business promotion to his efforts as a policymaker at the Capitol. This allowed him to make immediate contributions to the work of this body following his initial election to the House in 2004. Since that time he has distinguished himself as the chair of the House New Economy and Quality of Life Committee and as a member of House Committees on Banking and Financial Services, Commerce, and Energy and Technology. Indeed, his leadership and a host of legislative enactments have made a long-term contribution to Michigan in the areas of business tax policy, economic and industrial development, and regulatory environment. He is to be commended on a job well done; and

            Whereas, Ed Clemente's entire career has embodied the spirit of public service. As an entrepreneur in the family business, a teacher, a county commissioner, and a business leader, as well as being a highly respected member of the Michigan House of Representatives, Ed Clemente has set a standard we would all do well to follow. We wish him the best as he ends his third term in the House; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we hereby extend this expression of gratitude to the Honorable Ed Clemente as he brings to a close his service in the Michigan House of Representatives; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Clemente as evidence of our esteem.