McNamee, Ruth Braden, 1921-

Mayor of Birmingham, Michigan, 1970-1971, and Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives, 1974-1984.

From the description of Ruth Braden McNamee papers, 1964-1984. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34421247

From the description of Papers, 1964-1985. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34421232

Ruth Braden McNamee was born in New York City in 1921. She attended Bucknell University, receiving a bachelor's degree in 1942 in political science and English. In 1946, she married William A. McNamee with whom she has two children.

McNamee served on the Birmingham (Michigan) city commission from 1965-1974. She was also mayor of Birmingham from 1970-1971. In 1974, McNamee was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives as a Republican representing the 64th district in Oakland County. She was re-elected to her seat in 1976, 1978, 1980, and 1982 but chose not to run in 1984. In addition, she has held positions as Oakland County supervisor (1968), member of S.E.M.C.O.G. (1969-1974), trustee of the Michigan Municipal League, and trustee of Bucknell University (1982-1987).

Highlights of her career include passage of Birmingham's fair housing ordinance, controlling the civil disturbance of August 1970, drafting a state law regulating transactions in precious metals, and casting the deciding vote in 1984 in the Michigan House against a US constitutional convention on the balanced budget issue.

From the guide to the Ruth Braden McNamee Papers, 1964-1984, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)