[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18237]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING BRUCE PATTERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 29, 2010

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge 
the distinguished career of Bruce Patterson, Michigan State Senator 
representing the 7th District.
  Born in Detroit, Michigan on February 7, 1947, Senator Patterson now 
resides in Canton. After graduating from Redford High School, he earned 
a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wayne State University in 1969, and 
thereafter, in 1972, a Juris Doctorate Degree from Wayne State 
University Law School.
  Prior to beginning his storied political career, Senator Patterson 
served 20 years as an Associate Attorney, Vice President and President 
of McCabe, Middleton and Patterson, PC. Senator Patterson has been a 
member of the State Bar of Michigan since 1972 and was a member of the 
Plymouth-Canton Public School's Educational Excellence Foundation Board 
of Directors from 1989-1997. As Director of Planned Giving for Eastern 
Michigan University, Senator Patterson diligently worked from 1991 to 
1994. He devoted his time and energy as President of the Canton 
Economic Club from 1991 to 1992 and to the Canton Community Foundation 
from its inception in 1989 until 1996. Later in his career, Senator 
Patterson became a member of the Schoolcraft Community College Board of 
Trustees. With tireless devotion, he dedicated his time to improving 
his community as a Wayne County Commissioner from 1995 to 1998, and was 
elected to the Michigan State House of Representatives, where he was 
the first freshman ever elected to the position of Associate Speaker 
Pro Tempore, serving the 21st District for 4 years. While in the State 
House, Senator Patterson also served as Majority Leader.
  Thereafter, on November 7, 2002, Senator Patterson was elected to the 
Michigan State Senate. During his tenure, Senator Patterson served as 
Chair of the Energy Policy and Public Utilities Committee, Health 
Policy Committee, Judiciary Committee, Natural Resources and 
Environmental Affairs Committee and Legislative Council.
  For his unwavering commitment to excellence, Senator Patterson was 
inducted into the Canton Township Hall of Fame. Senator Bruce Patterson 
has earned a number of prestigious awards, including: the Michigan 
Chamber of Commerce Champion of Commerce Award, Michigan Associated 
Underground Contractors Legislator of the Year, the Michigan Nursing 
Association Friend of Nursing Award, Senior Alliance Legislative Award, 
Michigan Manufacturers' Association's ``Advocate of the Year,'' the 
Iron Rider Award given by ABATE of Michigan, Michigan Municipal 
League's ``Distinguished Service Award,'' Michigan League of 
Conservation Voters ``Environmental Leadership Award,'' Michigan 
Education Association ``Friend of Public Education Award,'' Legislator 
of the Year Award from the Michigan Psychological Association, the 
Michigan Court Officers, Deputy Sheriffs and Process Servers 
Association Legislator of the Year Award, Michigan Association of 
Health Plans Legislator of the Year and the ``Free Market Champion 
Award'' from the Telecommunications Association of Michigan. Senator 
Patterson was chosen as the first ever recipient for both the Michigan 
Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Legislator of the Year 
Award and the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners Advocate of the 
Year Award as well as Best Local Politician by the Plymouth Observer 
Newspaper.
  Madam Speaker, during his distinguished career, Senator Patterson has 
bettered the lives of countless Michiganders. As he embarks upon the 
next chapter of his life with his beloved wife Phyllis and his children 
Denise, Lauren and Justin, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding 
his legendary leadership, and in thanking him for his unfaltering 
service to our community and our country.

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