February 1, 2008

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments and reappointments:

Michigan Tax Tribunal

Stuart Trager of Detroit, supervising assistant corporation counsel with the City of Detroit Law Department, is appointed to represent attorneys for a term expiring June 30, 2011.  He succeeds Jack L. Van Coevering who has resigned. 

The Michigan Tax Tribunal hears appeals from taxpayers who are aggrieved by ad valorem property tax assessments, special assessments, equalization, allocation, and apportionment under the general property tax laws.  The tribunal also has jurisdiction over determinations issued by the Department of Treasury concerning income tax; sales, use, and withholding taxes; single business tax; motor fuel tax; and intangible and inheritance taxes.

This appointment is subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.

State Officers' Compensation Commission
 
Albert L. Holtz of Orchard Lake, attorney with Albert L. Holtz, P.C., appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring January 1, 2012.  He succeeds Larry L. Leatherwood whose term has expired.

Jack D. Minore of Flint, legislative director of the AFL-CIO and former state representative, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring January 1, 2012.  He succeeds Gary G. Corbin whose term has expired.

Patrick R. Olson of Plymouth, owner of Mayer Educational Products, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring January 1, 2012.  He succeeds Penny L. Deitch whose term has expired.

The commission establishes pay and expenses for the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor, justices of the Michigan Supreme Court, and members of the Legislature.  The Michigan Constitution states that no person can serve on the commission for more than one four-year term.

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Strategic Economic Investment and Commercialization Board

David A. Baumgarten of Commerce, founder, president and owner of NovaStar Solutions, LLC, is nominated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and appointed by the governor to represent qualified businesses or persons with business, technology, or financial experience related to competitive edge technology for a term expiring December 31, 2010.  He succeeds Blair M. Bowman whose term has expired.  

Created as an independent entity within the Michigan Strategic Fund, the SEIC Board oversees competitive grants and loans to Michigan institutions of higher education, Michigan research institutions, and Michigan nonprofit corporations for competitive edge technology projects.

This appointment is subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.

Board of State Canvassers                                                                              

Stephen J. Linder of Okemos, nominated by the Michigan Republican Party and appointed by the Governor, who is required by law to appoint to one of three individuals nominated by the State Central Committee of the Michigan Republican Party.  He succeeds Shelly J. Edgerton who has resigned and is appointed for the balance of the term expiring on January 31, 2011.

The Board of State Canvassers, a bipartisan entity, determines the result of all elections for governor, lieutenant governor, state officers, and other such officers as prescribed by law.  

This appointment is subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

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