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

House Resolution No. 351.

            A resolution of tribute to the Honorable Charles LaSata.

            Whereas, It is with gratitude for his fine service to this legislative body over the past six years that we are proud to commend Representative Charles LaSata.  As the Representative of the Seventy-ninth District, he has served the citizenry with utmost distinction and has earned the respect of his colleagues, his constituents, and the people of Michigan.  As he leaves his responsibilities as a lawmaker to serve as a Circuit Court Judge in Berrien County, we are proud to salute him in gratitude for his excellent efforts; and

            Whereas, Representative LaSata was born in Berrien County and received a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Kalamazoo College and a law degree from the Catholic University of  America.  He has been in the private practice of law, and he has served his community in innumerable ways by contributing to various civic organizations.  He began his public service as the youngest person elected to the St. Joseph City Commission, a position he held for four years.  Then, in 1995 he was again the youngest person elected, but this time to the post of mayor of St. Joseph; and

            Whereas, This able man has contributed significantly in the Michigan House of Representatives.  For four years, he was a member of the House Appropriations Committee and served as chair of the Corrections Subcommittee and contributed to the work of several other subcommittees.  More recently, he has served on the Judiciary, Criminal Justice, Energy and Technology and Higher Education Committees.  He has also contributed as the prime sponsor of legislation in a number of areas, including corrections and school aid.  His dedication to the public interest and his leadership as a lawmaker have been impressive, and we wish him much future success; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the highest accolade of praise be accorded the Honorable Charles LaSata, in recognition of his distinguished service in the Michigan House of Representatives; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Honorable Charles LaSata as a reflection of the high regard we have for him.

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