June 13, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments and reappointments to the Board of Law Examiners, the Joint International Bridge Authority, the Michigan Judges' Retirement Board, the Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs, and the Michigan Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission.  

Board of Law Examiners

Louis A. Smith of Traverse City, president of Smith & Johnson, Attorneys, P.C.  Mr. Smith is reappointed, on nomination by the Michigan Supreme Court, to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2012. 

The Board of Law Examiners was created by the Legislature to oversee the investigation and examination of persons who apply for admission to the State Bar.  The office administers the Bar exam twice a year, in February and July, and then releases the exam results.  The office also processes applications for recertification from attorneys who have been on inactive status for more than three years and wish to resume active practice in Michigan.
 
This appointment is not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Joint International Bridge Authority

William W. Sutter of Chippewa, director of community education for Consolidated Community School Services.  Mr. Sutter is appointed for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor.  He succeeds Howard D. Cash who has resigned.
 
The Joint International Bridge Authority (JIBA) was created in July 2000 following the completion of payment for the construction of the International Bridge that links the Upper Peninsula and Ontario.  It replaced the International Bridge Authority upon the retirement of the sale of revenue bonds which financed the project.  The Intergovernmental Agreement for the International Bridge, an accord between the state of Michigan and the province of Ontario, formed the JIBA to provide for continued management and operation of the International Bridge as a governmental function on a not-for-profit basis, by a single administrative entity within the Michigan Department of Transportation.
 
This appointment is not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Michigan Judges' Retirement Board

Chris J. Swope of Lansing, city clerk for the city of Lansing.  Mr. Swope is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 31, 2011. 

Francis R. Spaniola of Corunna, former state representative.  The Honorable Spaniola is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 31, 2011. 

The board oversees the Judges Retirement System administration and provides for a retirement system for members of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Courts, District Courts and Probate Courts in Michigan.

These appointments 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.

Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs

Miguel A. Ramirez of Mattawan, assistant director of the multicultural division of Western Michigan University. Mr. Ramirez is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring December 10, 2008.  He succeeds Jeorge E. Fierro who has resigned. 

The Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs was created by Public Act 164 of 1975 to develop policies and plans to serve the needs of Michigan's Spanish-speaking residents.  The commission consists of 15 members from around the state appointed by the governor and who are of Hispanic descent and are Spanish-speaking. 

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.            

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs

James P. Allen, Sr. of Ferndale, member of Allen Brothers, Attorneys and Counselors, PLLC.  Mr. Allen is appointed for a term expiring September 1, 2009.  He succeeds Earle S. Irwin who has resigned.

Melonie B. Colaianne of Northville, president of Masco Foundation and director of corporate affairs for Masco Corporation.  Ms. Colaianne is appointed for a term expiring September 1, 2009.  She succeeds Lilian Bauder whose term has expired.

Barbara Kratchman of Bloomfield Hills, former president of ArtServe.  Ms. Kratchman is appointed for a term expiring September 1, 2007, and reappointed for a term commencing September 2, 2007, and expiring September 1, 2010.  She succeeds Waunita M. Delany who has resigned.

Steven M. Horn of Beverly Hills, chief administrative officer of the Michigan Humane Society.  Mr. Horn is reappointed for a term expiring September 1, 2009.

George R. N'Namdi, Ph.D. of Belleville, president of G.R. N'Namdi Gallery.  Dr. N'Namdi is reappointed for a term expiring September 1, 2009.

Craig H. Ruff of Okemos, president and chief executive officer for Public Sector Consultants.  Mr. Ruff is reappointed for a term expiring September 1, 2009.

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs serves to encourage, develop, and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative, and cultural activity in Michigan.
 
These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.
                                                           
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