November 22, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following appointments to the Board of Real Estate Appraisers, Commission for the Blind, and Carnival-Amusement Safety Board:

Board of Real Estate Appraisers

Andrew B. Chamberlain of Troy, owner and president of Chamberlain and Walsh, Ltd.  Mr. Chamberlain is appointed to represent certified general real estate appraisers for a term expiring June 30, 2009.  He succeeds David Maturen whose term has expired.

The Board of Real Estate Appraisers provides for the licensure of state licensed and state certified real estate appraisers and real estate valuation specialists.
 
Commission for the Blind

Geraldine G. Taeckens of Sault Ste Marie, school social worker with the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District.  Ms. Taeckens is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring September 30, 2008.  She succeeds Robert Adler whose term has expired.

Jerome (J.J.) Jackson of Okemos, human resources consultant.  Mr. Jackson is reappointed to represent blind persons for a term expiring September 30, 2008.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) serves approximately 4,500 blind persons each year through its programs: Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Independent Living Services, DeafBlind Services, Youth Services, the Business Enterprise Program, and the MCB Training Center.  The Commission is a statewide program to serve the state’s estimated 50,000 blind persons.
 
Carnival-Amusement Safety Board

Martin J. Heppler of Richland, president of Riverview Recreation.  Mr. Heppler is appointed to represent carnival ride operators for a term expiring July 10, 2009.  He succeeds Edward R. Masters whose term has expired.

Carrie E. Jones of East Lansing, professional fundraiser.  Ms. Jones is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring July 10, 2008.  She succeeds C. Daniel Piercecchi whose term has expired.

Douglas S. Schmidt of Sterling Heights, owner of Schmidt Amusements.  Mr. Schmidt is appointed to represent amusement park operators for a term expiring July 10, 2008.  He succeeds Susan Wells whose term has expired.

The Carnival-Amusement Safety Board determines definitions, codes, rules, and regulations for the safe installation, repair, maintenance, use, operation, and inspection of all carnival and amusement rides for the protection of the general public.

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