Honesty, humor shape Howell’s career

I was not surprised to read last week’s press release recognizing attorney Gary Howell for his 50-year career in the legal field. Not surprised that he’s never had a grievance filed either. In my experience here, which began in the mid-1990s, Gary was always accessible, always exceedingly capable, always well-spoken, always well-prepared, and always a gentleman.

A fan of free speech and a free press, Gary was impartial with the local newspapers and offered both Jeff Hogan and I opportunities to attend his swearing in ceremonies at the State Capitol when he was elected as the State Rep for the 82nd district, initially in the wake of the Courser debacle, and re-elected for a second term.

I first run across Gary in the mid-1990s as a newby to the business, working my way up the ropes doing what all other newbies are required to do: Cover municipal meetings and hope beyond hope that there’s something to write about other than wastewater treatment and road projects. After starting in Dryden and moving over to Capac, I was finally assigned the “cream of the crop,” Imlay City Commission meetings.

There were a few hot topics now and then, one of them about the “bees wings” that collected in the streets, gutters, vents, window casings and just about everywhere else downtown. Aptly named for their opaque, gossamer look, the “bees wings” were a byproduct of drying the corn or something at the old grain elevator. Big news to this city girl. They drove business-owners nuts as they’d clog up vents and ducts, collect in gutters and on the street, and on windy days create a storm as they swirled around in the air.

The city, nestled in the heart of a farming community was tasked with trying to resolve the problem. The issue took up a lot of ink.

Another big issue revolved around a truck stop in Emmett, which was expanding to include an “adult section,” if you know what I mean.

Many in Imlay City caught wind of it—it was big talk in the area—and wanted to ensure that something like that could never operate in Imlay City.
A well-respected and sought-after municipal attorney at the time, Gary Howell was tasked with writing an ordinance that would prevent such a business from opening the doors in the city. I had to bring my notepad up to my face to cover my chuckles when he briefed the commission about the ordinance, noting that the language—so descriptive and detailed—was practically “pornographic itself.” I thought that was hilarious, and having worked for almost a decade with attorneys, understood that it was very close to the truth.

Over the years, and through his various elections to a wide variety of local and state offices, Gary Howell continued to walk the walk and listen to all of his constituents. In fact, Democratic opponent for the 82nd District the-late Jerry Tkatch penned a letter commending Gary for sitting across the table with him, and crossing party lines to speak out when he saw things that were heading a bit on the extreme side.

Throughout his career, Gary Howell demonstrated to me—and obviously to his colleagues and constituents—that he could not be sold, and was always willing to speak out and fight for what was best for everyone he represented.

Our last contact was five years ago, when he penned a handwritten letter on his Lansing office letterhead after I retired. A pleasant and unexpected surprise in my mailbox, Gary wished me well on my new path, and thanked me for being fair through my years at Tri-City Times.

This, I  now hope, serves as my feeble attempt to do the same.

Best wishes, Gary, Cheryl, and to all of your loved ones as you carry on.

Email Catherine at tct@pageone-inc.com.