The purpose of the MVPA was to grant veterans "a preference in original employment and retention thereof in public service.'" Valentine v. McDonald, 371 Mich. 138, 145 (1963). Before an employer takes adverse action, the employee-veteran is entitled to notice and a hearing.
Wayne Co. Pros., 451 Mich. at 576–577, 548 N.W.2d 900 (emphasis added; citations and quotation marks omitted). Valentine v. Redford Twp. Supervisor, 371 Mich. 138, 144, 123 N.W.2d 227 (1963). As with any issue of statutory interpretation, our goal “is to give effect to the Legislature's intent, focusing first on the statute's plain language.”
"This court has held that only, when 2 acts are so incompatible that both cannot stand, does a later act repeal a former." In re Estate of Reynolds, 274 Mich. 354, 360 [ 264 N.W. 399 (1936)]. [ Valentine v Redford Twp Supervisor, 371 Mich. 138, 144; 123 N.W.2d 227 (1963).]
In re Estate of Reynolds, 274 Mich. 354, 360 [ 264 NW 399 (1936)]." Valentine v Redford Twp Supervisor, 371 Mich. 138, 144; 123 N.W.2d 227 (1963). See also In re Lambrecht, 137 Mich. 450, 455; 100 N.W. 606 (1904); Garfield Twp v A.B. Klise Lumber Co, 219 Mich. 31, 35; 188 N.W. 459 (1922); Saginaw City Council v Saginaw Board of Estimates, 256 Mich. 624, 633; 239 N.W. 872 (1932), and citations collected therein.
" See also, Valentine v Redford Twp Supervisor, 371 Mich. 138, 144; 123 N.W.2d 227 (1963); Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney v Wayne County Board of Commissioners, 44 Mich. App. 144, 157; 205 N.W.2d 27 (1972); Washtenaw County Road Commissioners v Public Service Commission, 349 Mich. 663; 85 N.W.2d 134 (1957); Jackson v Michigan Corrections Commission, 313 Mich. 352, 357; 21 N.W.2d 159 (1946). The home rule cities act was originally enacted in 1909 (PA 279) under authority of the Constitution of 1908.
MCL 28.721a ("The registration requirements of this act are intended to provide law enforcement and the people of this state with an appropriate, comprehensive, and effective means to monitor those persons who pose such a potential danger."). Valentine v McDonald, 371 Mich 138, 144; 123 NW2d 227 (1963). Tiemann last argues that the term "person" as used in the statute is ambiguous.
More importantly, our Supreme Court has rejected the notion of repeal by implication. In Valentine v Redford Twp Supervisor, 371 Mich 138, 144; 123 NW2d 227 (1963), the Court stated: The majority also indicates that MCL 440.2725 conflicts with MCL 600.5807(8).
"The veterans' preference act was enacted for the purpose of discharging, in a measure, the debt of gratitude the public owes to veterans who have served in the armed services in time of war, by granting them a preference in original employment and retention thereof in public service." Valentine v McDonald, 371 Mich 138, 144-145; 123 NW2d 227 (1963). Consistent with that purpose, the act provides, in relevant part:
Plaintiff would be entitled to back pay only if the mayor found plaintiff's allegations to be true and determined that he should be reinstated. Id.; see also Valentine v Redford Twp Supervisor, 371 Mich. 138, 147; 123 N.W.2d 227 (1963). Further, we have stated:
The VPA "was enacted for the purpose of discharging, in a measure, the debt of gratitude the public owes to veterans who have served in the armed services in time of war, by granting them a preference in original employment and retention thereof in public service." Valentine v Redford Twp Supervisor, 371 Mich. 138, 145; 123 N.W.2d 227 (1963). The act entitles a veteran to notice and a hearing before his employer may take any action against him with respect to his employment.