FEBRUARY 4, 2004

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land offered the following comments regarding the contributions to Michigan made by Bernard "Bernie" Apol, who died on Monday:

"Michigan voters have lost a faithful advocate with the passing of Bernie Apol. As a key architect of Michigan’s election process, Bernie instilled the high standards that we continue to uphold. He laid the groundwork of integrity and nonpartisanship as one of the first employees of the Department of State’s Bureau of Elections. Bernie truly was a man ahead of his time.

"Bernie’s impact is widespread. His significant influence of the apportionment process for designing legislative districts began in the 1960s and continues to this day. He also was instrumental in bringing uniformity to the way Michigan conducts elections. And when the profession of election administration began to evolve, it was Bernie who paved the way by forging a positive relationship between state and local officials.

"Every Michigan resident is indebted to Bernie Apol. They may not have known his name, but they know his work. Michigan’s national reputation for solid and impartial election administration is due in large part to Bernie’s vision. He would be proud to know that his passion still burns brightly by those of us who hold that sacred trust. On behalf of a grateful Michigan, I extend my deepest sympathy to Bernie’s wife, Arlene, and their entire family."