Bill Text: MI HR0217 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution of tribute offered in memorial for Martin D. Buth, former member of the House of Representatives.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-01-10 - Adopted By Unanimous Standing Vote [HR0217 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-HR0217-Introduced.html
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 217.
A resolution of tribute offered in memorial for Martin D. Buth, former member of the House of Representatives.
Whereas, The members of this legislative body were saddened to learn of the passing of former Representative Martin D. Buth. A devoted advocate for the communities of Kent County and our state, Mr. Buth was known for his hardworking, bipartisan approach to governing that made him a model of effectiveness and integrity for all public servants; and
Whereas, Martin D. Buth came to the House of Representatives an experienced businessman and local leader. A graduate of Michigan State College in 1940, Mr. Buth returned home to join his family's dairy farm, which he and his brother ran for twenty-five years. His tenure in public office began as a member of the Plainfield Township Board of Trustees in the 1950s and continued as president of the Michigan Purebred Dairy Cattle Association; and
Whereas, First elected to the House of Representatives in a 1959 special election, Martin D. Buth went on to craft a prodigious career in the chamber lasting more than twenty-three years. He used the Legislature to advance development and growth in the Grand Rapids region, beginning with his sponsorship of legislation that established Grand Valley State University and securing funding to construct its first building. He championed the creation of a television station to service western Michigan and testified before the Federal Communications Commission on its behalf. For more than five decades, Channel 13 has served the Grand Rapids community. Representative Buth was also instrumental in creating Grand Rapids' southern beltway, M-6. Among his other legislative interests, his command of the Michigan tax code was well known and benefited the entire chamber. In the twilight of his time with the Legislature, he displayed both wisdom and warmth that made him an invaluable mentor to younger members of this body; and
Whereas, Representative Buth did not retire upon leaving the Legislature in 1982, but instead, he continued to work for his community as a member of the Kent County Board of Commissioners, a position which he held for four years. Ever the statesman, Martin Buth left an indelible mark on those who served with him, the people of Kent County, and 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 Martin D. Buth, a member of this legislative body from 1959 to 1982; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Buth family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.
