January 26, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following appointments and reappointments to the Worker's Compensation Board of Magistrates:

William A. Baillargeon of Saugatuck.  Mr. Baillargeon served as a senior trial specialist with the Law Offices of Paula J. Martin prior to his appointment to the board for a term which expires January 26, 2011. He succeeds John M. Wierzbicki whose term has expired.

David B. Merwin of Muskegon.  Mr. Merwin served as counsel to Williams, Hughes & Cook PLLC law firm prior to his appointment to the board for a term which expires January 26, 2011. He succeeds Paul H. Reinhardt whose term has expired.

Christopher P. Ambrose of East Lansing, reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2011.

Jennifer L. Crawford of Twin Lake, reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2011.

Lee A. Decker of Brighton, reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2011.

Murray A. Gorchow of West Bloomfield, reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2011.

Valencia L. Jarvis of Southfield, reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2011.

Rosemary K. Wolock of Royal Oak, reappointed for a term expiring January 26, 2011.

The Workers' Compensation Board of Magistrates functions within the Department of Labor and Economic Growth.  Magistrates are responsible for conducting hearings in disputes that arise under the Workers' Disability Compensation Act of 1969 and hear cases related to workers' compensation claims.

These appointments and reappointments are subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.