Perry Bullard

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Perry Bullard (full name, Winston Perry Bullard), (1942-1998), was a Democratic politician and lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Bullard was born in Cleveland, Ohio. After serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, he ran successfully for the Michigan House of Representatives in 1972. He continued to hold his 53rd-district seat, representing Ann Arbor, until 1993.

Bullard was known for his strongly liberal stances and his passion for defending and expanding personal civil liberties.

According to the Associated Press, Bullard was part of a group of young liberal representatives who, during the 1970s, were known as the "Kiddie Caucus"; other members included David Hollister of Lansing and Morris Hood of Detroit. Early in his tenure, Bullard was the subject of criticism after he was photographed using marijuana at the second annual Hash Bash, a rally promoting less restrictive marijuana laws.[1] Bullard eventually came to chair the state house Judiciary Committee. He sponsored the Open Meetings Act, the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, and blocked legislation making it easier for police to conduct wiretaps and enter homes in the absence of a warrant.

During the 1990s, after retiring from the state legislature, Bullard ran unsuccessfully for a state judgeship.

Bullard and his wife moved to Port St. Lucia, Florida in 1996, but both returned to Michigan in 1998. Bullard died in Canton, Michigan on October 15, 1998.


[edit] References

  1. ^ "3,000 Hold 'Hashbash' at Michigan," Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 1973, p. 14; Associated Press, "Former Ann Arbor Rep. dies at age 56," Michigan Daily, 19 Oct. 1998.

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Preceded by
Raymond J. Smit (R)		 State Representative for Michigan's 53rd District
1973–1993		 Succeeded by
Lynn N. Rivers (D)