Last Wednesday, Jan. 9, the incoming members of the 2019-2020 Oakland County Board of Commissioners were sworn in during the first full board meeting of the new term. David T. Woodward was elected chairman and Marcia Gershenson was elected vice chairwoman. This term marks the first time Democrats will be in the majority on the county commission in more than 40 years.
“It’s a new day for Oakland County!” said Woodward. “Together we’re ready to build an economy that works for everyone, not just a few. We’re ready to break down walls to regional cooperation. And we will govern our county in a way that expands opportunity and equality for all.”
In addition to electing leadership and establishing their new standing committees, the Board welcomed six new members: Thomas Kuhn, Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, William Miller, Kristen Nelson, and Angela Powell. The other 15 members of the county commission are returning incumbents.
The Board was reorganized to better advance county priorities in the coming term and improve efficiency. In addition, the Board made numerous appointments to boards, committees and commissions.
Woodward signaled that the Board is ready to embark on bold new initiatives in the coming term.
“We have a strong tradition on the board where Democrats and Republicans work together to get things done,” said Woodward. “Washington can learn a thing or two from us. If it’s a good idea, if it improves peoples’ lives, if it’s the right thing to do, then we’re going to get it done—regardless of whose idea it is.”
Oakland County Circuit Court Chief Judge Shalina Kumar delivered the invocation, Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard led the Pledge of Allegiance and Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Brown gave the oath of office. The Oakland County Sheriff Honor Guard also participated in the ceremony. The national anthem was performed by local high school student Megan Herbst, a sophomore at Birmingham Seaholm High School.
The following commissioners were sworn in to serve a two-year term:
• District 1: Michael J. Gingell (R-Lake Orion)
• District 2: Bob Hoffman (R-Highland Township)
• District 3: Michael Spisz (R-Oxford)
• District 4: Thomas F. Middleton (R-Clarkston)
• District 5: Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford)
• District 6: Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake)
• District 7: Christine Long (R-Commerce Township)
• District 8: Philip J. Weipert (R-South Lyon)
• District 9: Gwen Markham (D-Novi)
• District 10: Angela Powell (D-Pontiac)
• District 11: Thomas Kuhn (R-Troy)
• District 12: Shelley Goodman Taub (R-Bloomfield Township)
• District 13: Marcia Gershenson (D-Bloomfield Township)
• District 14: William Miller (D-Farmington)
• District 15: Adam Kochenderfer (R-Rochester)
• District 16: Penny Luebs (D-Clawson)
• District 17: Nancy Quarles (D-Southfield)
• District 18: Helaine Zack (D-Huntington Woods)
• District 19: David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak)
• District 20: Gary R. McGillivray (D-Madison Heights)
• District 21: Janet Jackson (D-Southfield)
Additional information about the Board of Commissioners is available at www.oakgov.com/boc.
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