April 18, 2005

15 Appointees Named

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed an executive order establishing the Task Force on Local Government Services and Fiscal Stability.  The task force will provide a forum for local governments to discuss ways to maximize the use of their available revenue and identify state laws, policies, or regulations that restrict the efficiency of local government.
 
“Healthy local governments are a key element in securing Michigan’s prosperity,” Granholm said.  “This task force will work to identify ways to improve efficiency and cooperation between local governments, allowing them to deliver vital services for their citizens in the most cost effective manner possible.”
 
Executive Order 2005-9 charges the task force with examining sources of revenue for local governments in Michigan and reviewing the services they provide as well.  It is also responsible for identifying state policies, regulations, or laws that hinder local governments’ ability to attract economic development, deliver services effectively, or maintain an acceptable quality of life for its citizens, and for discussing policy changes that would support cooperation among local governments to spur economic growth.
 
The task force will consist of 15 voting members appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Governor.  The State Treasurer and the State Budget Director will serve as non-voting members.  A final report will be presented to the Governor by November 30, 2005.
 
“Securing a positive relationship between state and local government is vital to ensuring Michigan is place people want to live and do business,” Granholm said.  “This task force signals our commitment to making sure local governments across the state have the tools they need to succeed.”

The following are individuals appointed to the task force:

Sean K. Werdlow of Detroit, chief financial officer, city of Detroit.  Mr. Werdlow is appointed to represent cities or villages for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Scott D. Buhrer of Lowell, assistant city manager for fiscal services, city of Grand Rapids.  Mr. Buhrer is appointed to represent cities or villages for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Karl S. Tomion of Midland, city manager, city of Midland.  Mr. Tomion is appointed to represent cities or villages for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Rillastine R. Wilkins of Muskegon Heights, mayor of the city of Muskegon Heights.  Mayor Wilkins is appointed to represent cities or villages for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Tom L. Hickner of Bay City, county executive, Bay County.  Mr. Hickner is appointed to represent counties for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Gerald W. Ambrose of Mason, county controller, Ingham County.  Mr. Ambrose is appointed to represent counties for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

David M. Hieber of Wixom, manager of equalization, Oakland County.  Mr. Hieber is appointed to represent counties for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Donald H. Gilmer of Augusta, county administrator, Kalamazoo County.  Mr. Gilmer is appointed to represent counties for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Ruth Ann Jamnick of Ypsilanti, supervisor, charter township of Ypsilanti.  Ms. Jamnick is appointed to represent townships for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Patricia J. Pikka of Wakefield, township clerk, Wakefield Township.  Ms. Pikka is appointed to represent townships for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Timothy J. Braun of Saginaw, supervisor, Saginaw Charter Township.  Mr. Braun is appointed to represent townships for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Larry T. Rutledge of LaSalle, supervisor, LaSalle Township.  Mr. Rutledge is appointed to represent townships for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Gregory E. Pitoniak of Taylor, mayor of the city of Taylor.  Mayor Pitoniak is appointed to represent special purpose local districts or authorities serving more than 1 local unit of government or other intergovernmental entities created by more than 1 local unit of government other than a school district or intermediate school district for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

David M. Diegel of Shelby Township, finance director, Macomb County.  Mr. Diegel is appointed to represent special purpose local districts or authorities serving more than 1 local unit of government or other intergovernmental entities created by more than 1 local unit of government other than a school district or intermediate school district for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Alex R. Allie of Novi, city manager, city of Huntington Woods.  Mr. Allie is appointed to represent special purpose local districts or authorities serving more than 1 local unit of government or other intergovernmental entities created by more than 1 local unit of government other than a school district or intermediate school district for a term commencing April 18, 2005 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 
 
The appointments are not subject to disapproval.