Gilbert J. DiNello | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of theMichigan Senate from the26th district | |
| In office January 1, 1979 – December 31, 1994 | |
| Preceded by | Joseph Snyder |
| Succeeded by | Mike Rogers |
| Member of theMichigan House of Representatives from the73rd district | |
| In office January 1, 1973 – December 31, 1978 | |
| Preceded by | Harold Clark |
| Succeeded by | Leo Lalonde |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1935-02-28)February 28, 1935 |
| Died | December 17, 1996(1996-12-17) (aged 61) |
| Party | Republican (1993-1996) Democratic (through 1992) |
| Alma mater | University of Detroit (B.B.A.) |
| Profession | Real estate |
Gilbert DiNello was a member of both houses of theMichigan Legislature between 1979 and 1994.
Born in 1935, DiNello earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from theUniversity of Detroit and began a career in real estate. Beginning his political career as aprecinct delegate, DiNello was elected to thestate House in 1972 where he served three terms and was known as a suburban Detroit conservative Democrat. In 1978, he was elected to theSenate.[1]
He was known as a staunch opponent of any tax increase, even questioning the constitutionality of the state's so-called Headlee Amendment on the basis that it allowed for annual increases in property assessments. DiNello was the only Democrat in the Senate who refused to support then-GovernorJames Blanchard's proposed income tax hike in 1983. The move caused then-Senate Majority LeaderJohn Engler to appoint DiNello to a committee chairmanship which effectively banished him from the Democratic caucus. He officially switched to the Republican Party in 1992. DiNello was also opposed to most legislation specifically pertaining toDetroit, to the point of being accused of being a racist by a fellow senator on the Senate floor. He stood for re-election in 1994 as a Republican in the newly-drawn11th District and lost toKen DeBeaussaert.[2]
DiNello ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in the10th congressional district in 1996. He was a member of theKnights of Columbus, theEagles, and theLions.[3]
DiNello suffered aheart attack at theSomerset Collection inTroy and was pronounced dead on arrival atBeaumont Hospital. He was 61.