 Serving all of Oakland County's 19 districts
AUGUST 2023
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 Commissioners wear many hats.
They attend full Board meetings during which resolutions and county policies are considered and established. They serve as members of standing committees, ad hoc committees, study groups and task forces where they focus on and discuss issues impacting residents. And, they are members of their own communities, ready to respond to emerging issues at the county level.
In Oakland County, though, being a commissioner is typically a part-time job (some commissioners take leadership positions with increased responsibilities). Many commissioners are also working as entrepreneurs, engineers, lawyers, farmers, city officials, doctors and social workers. For example, Commissioner Ajay Raman (District 14, pictured second from left) owns and operates his own medical practice, and Commissioner Bob Hoffman (District 7, pictured far left) runs Hoffman Farms Winery in Highland Township.
“It is my goal as an Oakland County Commissioner to apply my life’s experiences to enhance the quality of life for my constituents,” Hoffman said. “I am truly blessed with the support of my family and friends. I would not be as successful if it were not for my incredible employees and the county staff.”
Having a variety of diverse backgrounds allows commissioners to genuinely connect with their constituents. They bring all of their experiences and knowledge with them to the committee and Board meetings to help them make decisions that best represent their residents.
Commissioners often keep a pulse on their communities through volunteer efforts. These could include being involved with nonprofit groups, leading planning committees for local events, staying connected to their local school district through parent-teacher groups or coaching sports.
Commissioners act as advocates for their district at the county level, and there are many ways they are rooted in their communities. For a little more about the role of a commissioner, or to try it yourself, the National Association of Counties (NACo) developed an online educational game that presents a day-in-the-life perspective of a commissioner or county official. If you want to play, visit https://bit.ly/45ifAw7.
During its July 27 meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved the county’s purchase of 10-12 acres of property, including Ottawa Towers at 51111 Woodward Ave., the former General Motors Building at 31 E. Judson St., four adjacent parcels of land, and the current lease for the Phoenix Center parking garage. The county intends to move the offices of between 500 and 600 employees downtown to create a larger county presence in the city.
The Board’s vote followed the Michigan Legislature’s appropriation of $50 million in the state budget for the Downtown Pontiac Redevelopment Project, a partnership between Oakland County and the City of Pontiac with a goal of revitalizing the city’s downtown. The Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee authorized the county to enter into a $19.2 million agreement in May to purchase the parcels. The county then completed a 60-day due diligence period to evaluate the structures and property records including environmental and property condition reports, surveys and titles before the Board of Commissioners gave final approval of the sale.
The state funds will help with building renovations, blight removal, redeveloping commercial and green spaces and streetscaping, reconnecting city streets, and developing safe parking options for county and state government workers and residents. For more about the project, visit http://www.oakgov.com/news.
During the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) annual meeting last month, Commissioner Gwen Markham (District 15) was elected to serve another term as vice chairperson on its Executive Committee.
As vice chairperson, Commissioner Markham collaborates with other leaders and officers on regional issues. SEMGOC supports local planning through its technical, data and intergovernmental resources. Through its work across seven counties, SEMCOG aims to improve the region's water quality, make the transportation system safer and more efficient, revitalize communities, and spur economic development.
For more information about SEMCOG and Commissioner Markham, visit https://bit.ly/43xpjNJ.
Commissioner Gary R. McGillivray (District 3) was honored last month as Twelve-Sherry Park, located on 12 Mile Road between Campbell and Stephenson roads, was renamed “McGillivray Park” during a special ceremony. Commissioner McGillivray, who was mayor of Madison Heights from 1998 to 1999, has long been an advocate for Madison Heights, serving on its city council from 1983-1998 and 2001-2008. He has represented Madison Heights as a county commissioner since 2009.
Dedicated to parks and outdoor access for all, Commissioner McGillivray is chair of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and was a member of the Madison Heights Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for 25 years. He has also served as a member of the Madison Heights Little Baseball League Board of Directors and as the chair of the Madison Heights Planning Commission.
In addition to a baseball diamond, Twelve-Sherry Park features a basketball court, ice rink, playground, tennis court and more. The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department will also be dedicating a play area in McGillivray’s honor at Ambassador Park in Madison Heights.
For more information about the event and Commissioner McGillivray, please visit https://bit.ly/3Y9kV6m.
The Board regularly recognizes residents, community members, organizations and businesses with proclamations and certificates in honor of special milestones, contributions or achievements. See the list below for recent recognitions.
- The Board joined with the Michigan War Dog Memorial in Lyon Township to express its gratitude for all military working dogs on K-9 Veterans Day – presented by Commissioner Philip J. Weipert (District 13), July 8.
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Former Pontiac resident Martel Taylor, founder of Taylor1Films, was honored for the premiere of his production company’s second movie, “In A Split Second” – presented by Commissioner Angela Powell (District 9), July 16.
- Southfield resident Pastor James L. Cook II was recognized for his elevation in church leadership and tireless commitment to the community – presented by Commissioners Janet Jackson (District 18) and Yolanda Smith Charles (District 17), July 18.
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Dr. Pastor Jerry Love celebrated his 12th anniversary at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church – presented by Commissioners Powell and Kristen Nelson (District 10), July 23.
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Pastor Earl Crump observed 42 years of ministry in Pontiac – presented by Commissioner Powell, July 30.
- Spiritual leader Reverend Solomon W. Kinloch Jr. received commendation for his recent birthday and extensive spiritual accomplishments – presented by Commissioner Jackson, July 30.
Upcoming meetings:
Aug. 8 Finance (budget hearings), 1:00 p.m.
Aug. 9 Economic Development & Infrastructure, 9:30 a.m.
Finance, 11:00 a.m.
Special Committee to Study Road Commission Operations, 11 a.m.
Aug. 10 Finance (budget hearings), 1:00 p.m.
Aug. 15 Finance (budget hearings), 1:00 p.m.
Aug. 16 Finance (budget hearings), 1:00 p.m.
Aug. 17 Finance (budget hearings), 1:00 p.m.
Majority Caucus, 5:00 p.m.
Full Board, 6:00 p.m.
Aug. 18 Human Trafficking, 10:00 a.m.
Full Board and standing committee meetings are open to the public at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, and livestreamed on the Board’s YouTube channel. Visit https://bit.ly/OCBOCCal or https://bit.ly/OCCivicClerk for any schedule changes and follow the Board on Facebook for the latest updates.
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The 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise will rev up Oakland County on August 19. The official 16-mile route spans from Ferndale to Pontiac, rolling through four commission districts – 1 (Chair David T. Woodward), 9 (Commissioner Angela Powell), 11 (Vice Chair Marcia Gershenson) and 19 (Commissioner Charlie Cavell) and nine communities.
Visit the Dream Cruise website for a schedule of events.
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There’s a lot happening in Oakland County! Check out the latest news and upcoming events:
- Oakland County Veteran Services, Forgotten Harvest and Oakland County Parks are hosting a food distribution event for veterans from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, August 17 at the Pine Grove Picnic Shelter at Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston. To register or find more information, visit https://bit.ly/IndOaksVetsFoodDist.
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Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter presented his balanced, transparent, and fiscally-responsible budget recommendation for fiscal years 2024-2026 to the Board of Commissioners in late July. Read more about the budget at bit.ly/44wNLjr.
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