June 26, 2003
June 26, 2003
Almost four months to the day she officially unveiled the new Constituent Services Division of the Executive Office, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm will greet her 100th constituent this evening during her regularly scheduled monthly meeting with citizens.
The Governor will meet with 12 Boy Scouts from Troop 45 from Charlotte, and one of the scouts will be the 100th constituent.
The Boy Scouts are meeting with her to discuss how state government operates and to fulfill requirements to receive a Citizenship in the Nation merit badge. The requirements of this badge include reading and discussing the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, contacting a United States Senator or member of Congress, and visiting the State Capitol.
A merit badge is an award presented to a Scout when he completes the requirements for one of the merit badge subjects. The Scouts meeting with the Governor today are all nearly at the rank of Star Scout or Life Scout, which are two levels and one level away, respectively, from the highest rank of Eagle Scout.
Governor Granholm said she is pleased to be meeting with the 100th constituent – particularly since he will be one of the Boy Scouts.
“These young men exemplify the best of young leadership in America today; patriotism, leadership, and civic responsibility,’’ she said. “I’m especially happy that our meeting will help them earn their merit badge.’’
Before Thursday's round of constituent meetings, the Governor had met with more than 70 people since opening the Constituent Services Division on February 27. Constituents can meet with her to discuss policy issues, ideas, or problems during monthly constituent office hours.
She noted that the objective of constituent service is for it to be a showcase not only of good government, but government that engages the public.
“My goal is for government to be accessible and responsive to address the needs of citizens,’’ Granholm said. “We are committed to making this a place where people can get real help and answers.”
Priority is given to citizens who are experiencing a problem with state government. Some people are having direct problems with a state agency; others merely want to express their concern over a policy or issue, or want to describe a successful local program that the state would find useful.
Constituents who would like to speak to a specialist for assistance should visit the Constituent Services Division during the regular business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday though Friday. Citizens also can contact the office by calling (517) 335-7858.
E-mail correspondence that does not require a response may be sent to the Executive Office through the State of Michigan Website at http://www.michigan.gov.
