Bill Text: MI SR0176 | 2009-2010 | 95th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution offered as a memorial for Clarence E. Phillips, former mayor of the city of Pontiac.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2010-09-07 - Entire Membership Of The Senate And Lieutenant Governor Named Co-sponsors [SR0176 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2009-SR0176-Enrolled.html
SR-176, As Adopted by Senate, September 7, 2010
Senator Hunter offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 176.
A resolution offered as a memorial for Clarence E. Phillips, former mayor of the city of Pontiac.
Whereas, It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of our colleague Clarence E. Phillips, a dedicated public servant and caring person who enriched many lives. With genuine respect for his legacy of accomplishment, we join with the great city of Pontiac and the surrounding community in extending our condolences to his family and many friends. He will be sincerely missed and long remembered; and
Whereas, Serving others was Clarence's passion and his hallmark. He served his nation as a member of the U.S. Air Force for four years and spent another ten years in the Air Force Reserves as a human relations instructor. He enjoyed a successful career as a teacher in secondary education for 25 years, including serving as the director of Alternative Education in the Oak Park School District for seven years. He was elected to the Pontiac City Council in 1990, where he spent ten years, including four years as City Council president. He was a member of the Pontiac Planning Commission for nine years, as well as the City Council liaison to the Cable Advisory Board for ten years. Ultimately, Clarence realized his fundamental goal of serving his beloved city of Pontiac as its mayor from 2005 through 2009; and
Whereas, Clarence was a stalwart member of the community, having served in many organizations, including the Oakland County Veterans Group and the Pontiac/Oakland Democratic Club. He was also a faithful member of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church, where he sang in the adult choir. He was honored many times for his work, having received the Black History Month Community Service Award, the Lakeside Achievement Award, the Greater Pontiac Community Coalition Award, and the Achievement Award from the Black Professional and Business Women Organization; and
Whereas, In 2000, Clarence was elected to the 91st Michigan House of Representatives, where he served from 2001 until 2005. He was an effective legislator who represented his constituents with distinction. He was very influential in the appropriations process, where he exhibited his deep passion for making sure that every child had access to a high quality public education in this state. His leadership, concern, and contributions earned him the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle; and
Whereas, Clarence is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lorene; sons Kaino, Anthony Howard, and Damani, and a grandson; and
Whereas, The life of Clarence E. Phillips is a study in the power of hard work, dedication, and commitment to his career, his family, and his state. We are certainly grateful for his achievements, which will continue to have an impact on many people across Michigan in the years to come; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby offer our words of praise as a memorial for Clarence E. Phillips. May his family find comfort in their faith and their memories of this fine man, his life's work, and the many people whose lives he touched; and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of Clarence E. Phillips as a token of our highest esteem.
