Reference Title: Leland C. Makemson

A RESOLUTION
HONORING LELAND C. MAKEMSON'S LIFELONG SERVICE TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE STATE OF ARIZONA.

The efforts of the Legislature's dedicated employees provide invaluable assistance to members as they are required to function in often turbulent times. No person epitomizes these selfless efforts better than Leland C. Makemson.

Mr. Makemson's level-headed thinking often saved the functioning of the House of Representatives. He also showed these qualities as a boy. As a young newspaper carrier, his quick action saved a woman's life by pulling the woman from a smoke-filled house.

Mr. Makemson originally planned a career in journalism until World War II intervened. He entered the Navy and served on the U.S.S. Jason. After returning from the war he entered law school at the University of Arizona.

On graduation, he entered private practice. His partners were John "Champe" Raftery and William Holohan, future Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court.

Mr. Makemson became familiar with the State Capitol at an early age. As a baby he was bounced on Governor Hunt's knee. Because he grew up in the area, he was a frequent visitor as a youth. Therefore, he was no stranger to state government when Representative Fred Smith, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, asked him to assist the committee. He also served with the newly formed Legislative Council.

In 1957, Representative Polly Rosenbaum hired Mr. Makemson as the House law clerk. As the only attorney for the House, he performed many functions. Included in these was serving as legal counsel to the Judiciary Committee that acted as the predecessor of the Rules Committee in determining whether bills were constitutional and in proper form. When this function was transferred to the Rules Committee, Mr. Makemson became the first rules attorney of the House of Representatives.

Mr. Makemson has become known for his clear thinking and his integrity in dealing with the numerous issues that come through the Rules Attorney's office. But an even greater legacy may be the influence he has had on generations of legislators and lawyers. Those he has mentored have gone on to serve in the highest offices of the legislative and judicial branches of the Arizona and federal governments, including legislative leaders, judges and justices of the Arizona and United States Supreme Courts.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the House of Representatives warmly thank Leland C. Makemson for over forty years of dedicated service and for his intelligence and wisdom during these years.

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE MAY 21, 1998.

FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 22 1998.