March 12, 2003
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the appointment of John C. Hertel as Director of the Office of the Great Lakes. The office is housed in the Department of Environmental Quality and is responsible for developing policy and programs that protect, enhance, and manage Michigan’s lakes.
“John has a long and proud history of being a true champion for the Great Lakes,” Granholm said. “I know that he will work diligently to ensure that our Great Lakes are protected for our families and our children for years to come.”
Hertel, 56, of Lenox Township, served as Chairman of the Macomb County Commissioners and as the general manager of the Michigan State Fair and Exposition Center. He also is Vice-Chairman of the Huron Clinton Metro Parks Board. Hertel served as Chairman of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners from 1985 to1986 and as a State Senator from 1974 to 1983.
Previously, Hertel was a political commentator and analyst for WKBD Channel 50 in Detroit, as well as an editorial director for Channel 7 in Detroit. For 20 years, he also served as a professor of government, environment, and technology at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield.
Hertel holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wayne State University. He has been married for 34 years to Janice Amorello and has two children.
Hertel will continue to work on the process of implementing Annex 2001 which will protect the Great Lakes and Michigan waters against diversion. Granholm said that Hertel will ensure that the office continues its leadership among the other Great Lake states concerning diversion issues.
Hertel will work with the Michigan congressional delegation to pressure the Environmental Protection Agency to close the loophole in the Clean Water Act that exempts ballast water from treatment requirements. Granholm also said that Hertel will strive to bring the resources necessary to the Great Lakes to continue work on the Great Lakes Restoration Plan.
Granholm noted that among other issues, the Office of the Great Lakes will continue its commitment to reducing toxic chemical loading into the Great Lakes and work for regional cooperation to improve the protections against the introduction of aquatic nuisance species into the Great Lakes.
