SR-203, As Adopted by Senate, December 1, 2010

 

 

            Senator Bishop offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 203.

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Gerald Van Woerkom.

            Whereas, It is with great respect for his commitment to the people of our state and his district that we offer this expression of our thanks and best wishes to Senator Gerald Van Woerkom as he brings to a close his outstanding service through this legislative body. His consistency, thoughtfulness, and commitment to working with his colleagues to find solutions to Michigan's problems have been deeply appreciated and have contributed a great deal to the legislative process during a time of great challenge to Michigan; and

            Whereas, Gerald Van Woerkom came to Lansing with a wealth of experience in education. A graduate of Calvin College with a master's degree from the University of Michigan, this genial gentleman devoted 28 years to young people as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent in Christian schools. This background, as well as his involvement in Muskegon area organizations devoted to conservation and sportsmanship, has proven invaluable to the Michigan Legislature since he came to Lansing as a State Representative in 1999; and

            Whereas, Over the course of the past eight years, Senator Van Woerkom has contributed a respected voice to Senate deliberations on a wide variety of issues. He has been especially effective in carrying out his responsibilities as chair of the Agriculture and Bioeconomy Committee and the Local, Urban and State Affairs Committee and as the vice chair of the Education Committee and the Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee. Highlights of his tenure include his leadership in securing funding to clean up White Lake and Ruddiman Creek, in advancing agriculture as an economic strength as other industries struggled, and in spearheading legislation to provide scholarships for students to attend college. His steady commitment has been deeply appreciated by colleagues, staff, and the people of his western Michigan community; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we honor and commend Senator Gerald Van Woerkom for his dedication over the past eight years as a member of the Michigan Senate; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Senator Van Woerkom and his family as evidence of our best wishes for the future.