Capitol walkway named in honor of Frank Kelley

The longest-serving attorney general in the nation, Frank J. Kelley, Michigan's 50th attorney general, was honored at a ceremony Wednesday when the walkway from the state Capitol building to the Michigan Hall of Justice was officially named the "Frank J. Kelley Capitol Walkway." "I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this recognition by the State of Michigan," Kelley said. "My main goal throughout all my years in office was to be a true public servant and work for the people. I hope that will be my legacy." Gov. Rick Snyder attended the ribbon cutting along with other dignitaries, including Attorney General Bill Schuette and Sens. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Lansing, and Steve Bieda, D-Warren. "Throughout his nearly 40 years of service to the people of Michigan, Frank Kelley was a tireless advocate for consumer and environmental protection," said Snyder. "His work has had a lasting impact on our state and it's an honor to join in recognizing his accomplishments." Kelley, who served the state from 1961 to 1999, also has the distinction of being Michigan's youngest (he was 36 when he was appointed by Gov. John Swainson) and oldest (he was 74 when he decided not to seek reelection again) attorney general. Affectionately known as Michigan's "Eternal General," Kelley was at the helm of the Michigan Attorney General Office when Michigan founded the nation's first Consumer Protection Division and the first Environmental Protection Division. Kelley is a senior consultant at Kelley Cawthorne, one of Michigan's premier public policy and advocacy firms. The firm was founded by Kelley and Dennis Cawthorne. Published: Fri, Oct 25, 2013