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Saturday, December 05, 1992 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 7A QUICK WORDS: MICHAELS GEORGE M. 





Former New York assemblyman dies &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 George M. Michaels, 82, of Auburn, N.Y., former New York State assemblyman, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; died Thursday, Dec. 3, 1992, at homeHe was the father of Rabbi James R.
Michaels, spiritual leader of Temple Israel. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Born in College Point, N.Y., he spent his early years in New York City and
was a graduate of Cornell University and Brooklyn College of Law. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 He practiced law in Auburn from 1933 until retiring in 1985. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 He was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1960, serving for 10
years. He was the first Democrat to represent his district in over 50 years. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 In 1965 he became chairman of the Agriculture Committee. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 He came to national attention in 1970 when he cast the deciding vote in
favor of legalizing abortion in New York State. Having previously voted
against the bill, heswitched his vote when it appeared it would be defeated by
one vote. As he announced his change of vote he predicted it would cost him
his political career. Shortly thereafter he was denied his own party's
nomination and was defeated in the ensuing primary and the general election. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Although no longer in politics, he was hailed for the courage of his
convictions and his willingness to sacrifice his career. He was recognized by
many national and state organizations. In 1990 he was named a runner-up by the
John F. Kennedy Foundation for the first annual Profile in Courage Awards. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 In addition to Rabbi Michaels, surviving are his wife, the former Helen
Wetzler, at home; sons, Lee, Auburn; William, Denver, Colo.; eight
grandchildren. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Funeral services and interment will be Sunday afternoon in Auburn. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Shiva will be observed in the home of Rabbi Michaels, 185 W. River St.,
Wilkes-Barre, where friends are welcomed to call beginning Tuesday morning
through Friday morning. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the
charity of the donor's choice. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Local arrangements are by the Rosenberg Funeral Chapel.

Former New York Assemblyman Dies George M. Michaels, 82, Of Auburn, N.y., Former New York State Assemblyman, Died Thursday, Dec. 3, 1992, At Home.