Reps. Phillips, McConico, Byrum, Hunter, Smith, Dennis, Hardman, Daniels, Adamini, Anderson, Brown, Ehardt, Gieleghem, Jamnick, Kolb, Lipsey, Minore, Paletko, Plakas, Richardville, Rivet, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Shulman, Spade, Vagnozzi, Woodward, Zelenko, DeRossett, Gleason, Taub, Waters, Clack, Gillard, Murphy and Garfield offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 148.

            A resolution honoring the life of William J. Waterman.

            Whereas, In 1965, William J. Waterman began his long and distinguished career after graduating with a law degree from Florida A& M.  In 1967, Attorney Waterman joined the law firm of Hatchett, Brown, Waterman & Campbell.  During that time, he formed a lifelong alliance and deep friendship with Attorney Elbert Hatchett and Judge Christopher Brown; and

            Whereas, After winning a landmark case that desegregated the Pontiac Public School System, Attorney William J. Waterman established his own law firm of Waterman and Spinks with the love and support of his wife Dr. Deidre Holloway- Waterman, a practicing ophthalmologist, and his two children, Shana Christie and William Toussaint; and

            Whereas, In 1988, Attorney William J. Waterman was appointed to the bench by Governor James Blanchard. Beginning January 1, 1990, Judge Waterman served as Chief Judge of the 50^th District Court for 8 years and 11 months. He was successfully reelected three times; and

            Whereas, Judge Waterman was known as a sincere, no nonsense man of the law who was forceful in his rulings, yet fair to all who entered his courtroom.  He worked tirelessly with troubled youth through the Waterman Club.  At the Waterman Club teens were encouraged and directed to complete their education and seek gainful employment; and

            Whereas, Judge Waterman was a vigorous civil rights activists as well as a community leader. He was loved by, and possessed a deep love for, the city of Pontiac and its people.  He was a valiant fighter for the rights of the common man and a champion of those in need; and

            Whereas, As a compassionate and involved community leader, Judge Waterman was the recipient of numerous awards from such prestigious organizations as the NAACP, Urban League, the Pontiac Board of Education, Latino organizations and the city of Pontiac; and

            Whereas, In 1991, Judge Waterman received the North Oakland County NAACP Award for the development of the Pontiac Gun Bounty Program. He culminated his career by receiving the prestigious D. Augustus Straker Bar Association Special Achievement Award; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body honor the life of Judge William J. Waterman and his exceptional career on the bench and outstanding commitment to justice; and be it further

            Resolved, That on October 23, 2003, the 50^th District Courthouse shall be dedicated and renamed, now and forever, as the William J. Waterman Hall of Justice.