[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 64 (Tuesday, May 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING REPRESENTATIVE MIKE NYE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 1998

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join the citizens of 
Hillsdale and Branch Counties to pay special tribute to our 
representative in the Michigan legislature.
  So many people talk about the kind of leader they want to represent 
them in government and Mike Nye fits that definition by every measure.
  This week, my friends in Hillsdale County will honor Mike Nye for his 
sixteen years of dedicated leadership in Lansing. They know, as I do, 
that few people have accomplished more in that time for the people of 
Michigan.
  Mike Nye's retirement from the state legislature is a great loss. As 
a member of the House, he fought for commonsense legal reform and 
worked to provide better health care to poor children and was the 
innovator of reforms that have resulted in a better education system 
for Michigan. Mike Nye's improvements in court reform, school reform, 
tort reform, and juvenile justice reform will be a continuing legacy of 
his knowledge, ability and leadership in the Michigan legislature.
  In an era of overheated rhetoric and blatant partisanship, Mike Nye 
stands out as a conciliator--a legislator who brought people together. 
Mike Nye was often the man people turned to when they needed a leader 
to finalize and pass legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and I here in Washington can learn a lot 
from the service of Mike Nye. His contributions to public policy are 
equaled by his and his wife, Marcie's, dedication to their community. 
Marcie's leadership in working in the prison system with her Kids Need 
Moms program is a great example of their commitment to help people.
  I know Mike's future contributions will be just as worthwhile to all 
of us, regardless of what path he may take. God bless you, Mike, and 
good luck.

                          ____________________