SCR 10

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 10
Senators Brinks,
Nesbitt, Albert, Anthony, Bayer, Bellino, Bumstead, Camilleri, Cavanagh, Chang,
Cherry, Daley, Damoose, Geiss, Hauck, Hertel, Hoitenga, Huizenga, Irwin,
Johnson, Klinefelt, Lauwers, Lindsey, McBroom, McCann, McMorrow, Moss, Outman,
Polehanki, Runestad, Santana, Shink, Singh, Theis, Victory, Webber and Wojno
offered the following concurrent resolution:
A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for
Donald Koivisto, former member of the Michigan Senate and Michigan House of
Representatives.
Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of the
Legislature learned about the passing of Donald Koivisto. He will be remembered
as a dedicated public servant by his constituents in the Upper Peninsula and
the people of our great state; and
Whereas, Born in Bessemer, Michigan in 1949, Donald Koivisto
was a born and raised Yooper. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in
1967, and he later earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Central
Michigan University in 1971; and
Whereas, Prior to joining the Legislature, Donald served his
community, working as a teacher and a football and basketball coach at Morrice
High School. From 1974 to 1980, Donald worked as a juvenile officer in
Ontonagon County. He started his career in elective office when he won a
position on the Ontonagon School Board of Education, where he served as
president in 1976; and
Whereas, In 1980, Donald was elected to represent the One
Hundred-tenth District in the Michigan House of Representatives, which covered
the western Upper Peninsula. During his time in the House, he served as the
chair of the Agriculture and Forestry Committee, as well as a member of the
House committees on Agriculture; Colleges and Universities; Conservation,
Environment and Recreation; Consumers; Economic Development and Energy;
Military and Veterans’ Affairs; Public Utilities; and Tourism and Recreation;
and
Whereas, While serving in the House, Donald was a fierce
advocate for the farming community, and as a co-sponsor, he helped craft
Michigan’s Right to Farm Act. Donald sponsored the public act that established
the Forest Products Industry Development Council. During this time, he also
worked to address other concerns of the Upper Peninsula, which included
employment, education, and tourism; and
Whereas, After serving in the House, Donald left public office
to spend more time with his family. During this time, he stayed engaged as a
political consultant to Representative Lewis Dodak, former speaker of the House
of Representatives, and Representative Michael Griffin, former chair of the
Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; and
Whereas, In 1990, Donald returned to public office when he won
a competitive special election to represent the Thirty-eighth District in the
Michigan Senate. He would hold this seat for twelve years until 2002. While in
the Senate, Donald served as the minority vice chair of the Senate committees
on Agriculture, Forestry, and Wildlife; Gaming and Casino Oversight; Hunting,
Fishing and Forestry; and Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs. He was
also a member of the Health Policy and Appropriations committees, as well as
the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on Agriculture, Capital Outlay, Higher
Education, and Natural Resources and Environmental Quality. Donald also served
as a member of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; and
Whereas, During his time in the Senate, Donald continued
advocating for the farming community. This was particularly important to him as
he and his wife were operating her family’s centennial farm, where they raised
corn, soybeans, and hay. This gave Donald first-hand insight into the
challenges and needs of the farming community. His support for the Upper
Peninsula also extended to other areas, including casino oversight. Donald
wanted to protect the interests of all of his constituents, which included
tribal communities. He also sponsored Public Act 443 of 2002, which addressed
the taxation of iron ore in order to keep the mines open and retain jobs; and
Whereas, Donald also understood the value of bipartisan
relationships, and he was committed to working with everyone who shared his
concerns. His closest friendships spanned the state from Detroit to Battle Creek
to Northern Michigan. However, Donald was never one to shy away from
controversy or be afraid of being the lone voice. This included him serving on
the Senate Ethics Committee, which dealt with senator discipline; and
Whereas, During his tenure, Donald was known for his
independent voice, loyalty to the needs of the Upper Peninsula, and mentoring
of many future leaders, including former Representative and House clerk Rich
Brown. Serving rural communities was important to Donald, and he displayed many
of the characteristics that are important to these communities: consistent
standards, responsive leadership, and practical support. While he was humble
and quiet, his legacy was one of promoting good public policy for the state;
and
Whereas, Upon leaving the Legislature, Donald continued to
serve the state of Michigan. He worked as a lobbyist for the iron mining
industry with Cleveland Cliffs, promoting the same policies he supported as an
elected official. In 2007, it was announced that the Michigan Commission of
Agriculture had named him as the new director of the Michigan Department of
Agriculture. In this role, Donald was able to continue serving the farming
community and advocating for sustainable practices and policies. He served in
this role until 2010; and
Whereas, The legacy Donald left behind will be remembered
fondly by those who knew him. By his colleagues, Donald will be remembered as a
tireless advocate for the Upper Peninsula and agricultural community, as well
as someone who treated everyone with dignity and respect. By his family, he
will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
This family includes his wife of 55 years, Pamela; his four children, Adam,
Matthew, Timothy, and Katherine; his four grandchildren, Jacob, Connor, Nolan,
and Emma; as well as his faithful furry companions, Daisy and May; and
Whereas, Upon Donald Koivisto’s passing, we offer our
condolences to his loved ones. His contributions to these chambers and the
state of Michigan will be remembered; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring), That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the
memory of Donald Koivisto, a member of Michigan’s House of Representatives from
1981 to 1986, and the Michigan Senate from 1990 to 2002; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the
Koivisto family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.