house Resolution No.189

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

A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Daniel S. Paletko, former member of the House of Representatives.

Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of the House of Representatives learned about the passing of Daniel Paletko. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant by his constituents in Southeast Michigan and the people of the state of Michigan; and

Whereas, From the beginning of his professional career, Daniel Paletko demonstrated a deep commitment to his hometown of Dearborn Heights. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan and master’s degrees from the University of Detroit and Wayne State University, Daniel Paletko worked as a certified public accountant in his community and as a financial manager for Ford Motor Company. He was a member of several community organizations, including the Michigan Association of CPAs, Redford Township Chamber of Commerce, Dearborn Heights Goodfellows, Knights of Columbus, and St. Linus Parish. From 1974 to 2002, he served his community as a member of the Dearborn Heights City Council; and

Whereas, Daniel Paletko was elected to the House of Representatives in 2002 to serve the Seventeenth District. During his time in office, Rep. Paletko was a member of the Appropriations Committee and its subcommittees on Community Health, Corrections, and Higher Education. Rep. Paletko sponsored bills on a wide range of topics, including campaign finance and environmental protection, and introduced a resolution to honor Muslims in Michigan during Ramadan. Rep. Paletko's tenure in the House was short, as he was appointed mayor of Dearborn Heights in January 2004 after then-mayor Ruth Canfield retired, but his clear political presence in the House made a significant impact on his colleagues; and

Whereas, Daniel Paletko served the remainder of his life as mayor of Dearborn Heights. After his initial appointment, he was elected to full terms in 2005, 2009, 2013 and 2017. During his long tenure as mayor, he earned a reputation as a kind, open, and collaborative public servant who remained dedicated to the community of Dearborn Heights until his last day; and

Whereas, Daniel Paletko leaves behind a legacy as a passionate advocate for his community and the people of Michigan, and his dedication remains an example for those who have followed him into public service. Paletko will also be remembered as a loving husband and devoted father. May his family take some solace that his efforts will long continue to enrich our state; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Daniel S. Paletko, a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2004; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Paletko family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.