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1) Sen. George's "journal statement"  by Admin003 on October 17, 2007 
Senator George's statement is as follows:

I would like to read the memorial resolution:

"Whereas, The members of this legislative body and virtually everyone who has worked with Jerry Lawler over the past nearly 40 years were saddened to learn of his passing. A man of unsurpassed integrity, energy, and enthusiasm for public service, Jerry Lawler exerted an impact on those who knew him every bit as impressive and unforgettable as the brilliant Capitol dome on a frosty Michigan night; and

Whereas, An Iowa farm boy who never strayed from the values of hard work and unselfishness, Jerry Lawler was a graduate of Drake University and a veteran of the United States Army. Prior to his arrival in Lansing in 1968, he had worked at the Iowa Legislative Service Bureau. With the Michigan Legislative Service Bureau, he set the highest standards of excellence in a nonpartisan role in his responsibilities in research and as an associate bureau director for many years. His unshakable belief in our system of government was clear in his work for hundreds of legislators; and

Whereas, In the late 1980s, as the move took root to restore Michigan's threatened Capitol from its years of overuse, the leadership of this state--the House, Senate, and Governor--turned to Jerry to manage the monumental task of restoring this Victorian-era gem for present and future generations. His masterful handling of this responsibility earned national acclaim for our state's most important public building. This undertaking, massive in scope and endless in details, could only have been achieved as successfully as it was with someone of Mr.Lawler's trustworthiness, talent, and sensitivity to history at the helm; and

Whereas, As head of the Legislative Council Capitol Facilities Agency and as executive director of the Michigan Capitol Committee, Jerry managed this building as if it were his alone, even as he took pride in sharing it with its 10million other owners. In addition to overseeing the maintenance of what is essentially a 19th century edifice meeting 21st century demands, he was the point man handling countless demonstrations, ensuring that tensions and confrontations did not escalate while allowing controversial groups to have their say. "Freedom of speech" was no abstract concept to him; and

Whereas, Jerry Lawler never sought the spotlight; the focus of all he did was other people--legislators, policymakers, and visitors from all corners of our state and the world. In this, his public life mirrored his private life, for Jerry Lawler devoted himself to others in everything he did. This legacy, like the grand old building he worked so hard to restore, shall long endure; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Jerry Lawler, 'Mr.Capitol'; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Jerry's wife Connie and their family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory."

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2) Sen. Bishop's "journal statement"  by Admin003 on October 17, 2007 
Senator Bishop's statement is as follows:

As members will recall in mid-September, we had the very sad passing of Jerry Lawler who was a friend of this chamber, a friend of this Capitol, and a dedicated man we spent some time discussing here on the floor to pay tribute to. At the time, we indicated that we would revisit this issue and would present a resolution to the family. I want to be the first to rise and let the family know and the friends in the east Gallery know how we felt about Jerry Lawler. He was really an extension of our family here in the Senate. Our members always considered him to be a part of our family.

He was a dedicated man, a great man, who gave so much of his life and dedicated so much of his life to the restoration of this Capitol--to the service of this Capitol--for all of those great things which this Capitol represents. Our lasting devotion goes to him and his family for all that they did on behalf this great state and this great Capitol for the many great things that he represented.

His wife Connie and their family are here today, including their three children, Kim Duey, Beth Sanborn, and Michael Sanborn, all here to help us pay tribute to this great man. We have prepared a resolution on the calendar today which represents our enduring respect and admiration for a truly great man. We are very proud and pleased to have the family with us today to help us pay tribute to Jerry Lawler.

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3) Sen. Schauer's "journal statement"  by Admin003 on October 17, 2007 
Senator Schauer's statement is as follows:

I thank our leader for bringing this resolution honoring the life of Jerry Lawler before us. I just want to also add our condolences to Connie and to Jerry's family.

I had the pleasure of serving as a member of the Capitol Committee in my first term in the Senate and saw Jerry in action. Certainly, I saw him in other ways. I remember when he arranged the special dome tour. I don't know if you all have had a chance to take part in that; it's on the inside of the dome, by the way. People always ask me that.

But Jerry was really the heart and soul of this building--a protector, a guardian of certainly the building that was completed in 1879, but the work that goes on here as well. He exemplified integrity and passion. He fought hard to maintain not just the integrity of the building that we protect this and the grounds, but also the free speech and access that is such a part of this.

So I would just like to add on behalf of our members that we hold this building as a living, breathing tribute to Jerry Lawler and one that will serve as a lasting legacy of his life.

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