The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 401.

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Jim Townsend.

            Whereas, It is with great appreciation for his hard work and dedication to the Michigan House of Representatives and citizens of the Twenty-sixth District that we commend Representative Jim Townsend upon the completion of his service as a member of this chamber. In these six years, his passion and commitment to improving the lives of Michiganders have benefited not only his Oakland County constituents but the whole of our state’s citizenry; and

            Whereas, Jim Townsend joined the Legislature in 2011, bringing with him a wealth of public service and private sector experience. A graduate of the University of North Carolina and University of Michigan, he served as the executive director of the Tourism Economic Development Council, founded the Michigan Suburbs Alliance, and established his own strategic marketing and economic consulting firm; and

            Whereas, In his three terms as a state representative, Representative Townsend has been a strong advocate for Michigan’s workers and families. Pursuing solutions to the state’s economic woes, he has championed economic development initiatives, like the Regional Transit Authority for southeast Michigan. He was also instrumental in protecting the Detroit Institute of Arts and Detroit Zoo special assessments from tax increment finance authorities. As minority vice chair of the Committee on Tax Policy, Representative Townsend has advanced reforms to help Michigan's families; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Jim Townsend for his service and contributions to this legislative body; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Townsend as evidence of our esteem and best wishes.