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It’s the day before Thanksgiving and all through the house …
I’m preparing for Family and Friends and have no reason to grouse.
It’s been a remarkable year full of both triumphs and tests.
But for today, I’ll put all that aside and give thanks for my guests.
It’s not just my guests, though, that have prompted my dubious poetic side to emerge. ‘Tis the season to reflect on the moments and movements that have made 2024 a year worthy of giving thanks.
Here are a few of the things that made my list this year:
- The gathering at my home this year will have all the usual Thanksgiving trimmings and favorite family recipes and I’m so grateful that we can share this time. But it will be bittersweet without my bonus Dad, Jack Miller, whom we lost in October. His steady presence in our family for more than four decades was a blessing that will be missed.
- The collaborative relationships we’ve forged with other elected leaders in Oakland County, including the Clerk, Prosecutor, Sheriff, Treasurer and Water Resources Commissioner and the 19 members of the Board of Commissioners. The excellent services we’ve been able to provide to our residents and businesses couldn’t happen without their bipartisan support. I’m especially proud that working across the aisle is the rule in Oakland County, rather than the exception.
- The leadership and resources from our state and federal officials, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who have helped the county, our residents and businesses recover from a public health crisis and emerge stronger and better prepared to face any challenges that come our way.
- My leadership team, who have come up with creative initiatives that always have the best interest of our residents top of mind. A few examples: the Housing Trust Fund that is supporting affordable, accessible and inclusive housing projects across the county; Project DIAMOnD that is helping our manufacturers get the 3D printers and training they need to become more competitive in a global marketplace; Oakland80 and Workforce Development that is helping our students and adults get the coaching, training and education they need to succeed and our Economic Development team that is partnering with the state of Michigan and city of Pontiac to make transformational changes in the downtown of our historic county seat.
- Our skilled and talented county workforce that is 5,000-people strong and is dedicated to providing the services and programs that keep our residents safe and healthy.
- You, the people of Oakland County who are passionate about your communities. You volunteer, donate to charities, and let your voices be heard in the public square and the ballot box.
- While I’m a huge sports fan every year, 2024 has been especially sweet for the Detroit Tigers and Lions. True Grit personified. No jinx here, but just in case, my calendar is clear for Feb. 9, 2025.
There’s so much more to be thankful for at this time of year and all year long, frankly. While you take a few moments to reflect on your own list, I wish you a Thanksgiving filled with hope, good health and love.
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