Former House Speaker Curtis Hertel Sr.
passed away last Sunday of natural causes. He was 63.
Mr. Hertel was elected to the House in
1980 representing an east side district of Detroit. During his time in office,
then-House Speaker Lewis Dodak lost his re-election bid and left the House at a
historic tie with 55 Democrats and 55 Republicans. Quickly, Representative
Hertel Sr. procured the Democratic candidacy for House Speaker and worked with
Paul Hillegonds, the Republican candidate for Speaker, to develop a plan to
share power as co-speakers for the 1993-94 legislative term. The ensuing two-year
session was the most productive in modern history.
During his time in office, Mr. Hertel
was integral in developing much legislation, most notably Proposal A of 1994 to
reform school finance. Former chief of staff Dan Loepp believed this proposal
would not have worked if it weren’t for the shared power between Mr. Hertel and
Mr. Hillegonds.
Former Representative Hertel has
served as minority leader, co-speaker, and speaker of the House. He also served
as the Democratic foil to Governor John Engler and the Republican majority in
the Senate. Following his departure from the House in 1998, Mr. Hertel held
positions at the Department of Labor and Economic Growth and the Detroit/Wayne
County Port Authority. Additionally, Speaker Hertel worked three years at
Public Affairs Associates after leaving office, before being called back to
public service. He was a valued team member and will be missed by everyone at
Public Affairs Associates.
Curtis leaves behind his loving wife
Vickie, son’s Senator Curtis Hertel Jr., Matthew, Kevin and daughter Lisa.
Curtis had five grandchildren.
Services were held Thursday in Grosse
Pointe Woods. Mr. Curtis Hertel Sr. will be missed by many.