July 13, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments and reappointments to the Liquor Control Commission, the Michigan Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority Board of Directors, the Worker's Compensation Qualifications Advisory Committee, the Land Bank Fast Track Board of Directors, and the Governor's Traffic Safety Advisory Committee:

Liquor Control Commission
 
Patrick M. Gagliardi of East Lansing is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term expiring June 12, 2011.

Nida R. Samona of Bloomfield Township is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term expiring June 12, 2011.

The Liquor Control Commission, a bipartisan entity, controls alcoholic beverage traffic and consumption in Michigan.  The commission's guiding philosophy is to make alcoholic beverages available while regulating their sale and distribution in order to protect the rights and interests of all Michigan citizens.  This is done through selective licensing and strict enforcement of the Michigan Liquor Control Code and Michigan Liquor Control Commission rules.

These reappointments 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.
 
Michigan Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority Board of Directors

Steven N. Cassin of Clinton Township, executive director of the Department of Planning and Economic Development for Macomb County, is reappointed to represent individuals with knowledge, skill or experience in the business or financial fields for a term expiring December 15, 2010.

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

This reappointment 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.

Workers' Compensation Qualifications Advisory Committee

Carlos Bermudez of Canton, associate general counsel of the International Union UAW, is appointed to represent employee interests for a term expiring October 1, 2009.  He succeeds Phillip L. Gilliam who has resigned.  

The Qualifications Advisory Committee reviews and rates applicants interested in serving on the Workers' Compensation Board of Magistrates and Workers' Compensation Appellate Commission. 

This appointment is not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Land Bank Fast Track Board of Directors

George W. Jackson, Jr. of Southfield, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Authority, is reappointed to represent residents of this state for a term expiring May 31, 2011.

The Land Bank Fast Track Authority has the jurisdiction and control of the newly established Land Bank Fast Track Fund.  The board of directors of the authority elects the chair and vice-chair of the authority.

This reappointment is not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Governor's Traffic Safety Advisory Commission

Allen L. Byam of Marshall, sheriff of Calhoun County, is reappointed to represent local units of government for a term expiring May 27, 2010. 

The Governor's Traffic Safety Advisory Commission works to identify traffic safety challenges and develops, promotes, and implements strategies to address those challenges.

This reappointment 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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