Oakland County commissioners are offering words of encouragement after Commissioner Janet Jackson (D-Southfield) was named as the new Southfield city clerk following the November 7 election.
Jackson was first elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 2008. She represents the county’s 18th district, which includes Southfield Township, the villages of Franklin, Bingham Farms, and Beverly Hills, and portions of the City of Southfield.
Several of Jackson’s fellow Board members made the following statements:
“Janet has been a powerful force for defending democracy, promoting equality, and advancing social justice,” Board Chair David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak) said. “Her tremendous victory is a demonstration that all of Southfield have great trust in her, like we all have on the county Board. Our democracy and elections will be better because of her service, and we look forward to continuing to work with her in this new role where she will make it easier to vote, and make sure that all votes are counted.”
"I have loved working with and getting to know Janet and her family throughout our time as commissioners," Board Vice Chair Marcia Gershenson (D-Bloomfield Township) said. "She has been a valuable voice to the entire Board, bringing her unique and sensitive viewpoint that adds meaning to every discussion. Her spiritual and poetic perspective often reminds us of our purpose in serving the residents of our county, and I know she will bring this with her in her new role."
“I would like to congratulate Janet on becoming the new clerk for the City of Southfield,” said Commissioner Michael Spisz (R-Oxford), who chairs the Board’s minority caucus. “It was great working with her over the past years on multiple different projects, and I am confident she will do a great job in her new role to serve the citizens of Southfield. I wish her all the best.”
“Commissioner Jackson has been a real advocate and trailblazer for Black women,” Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles (D-Southfield) said. “She’s had nothing but open arms for me ever since I was elected to the Board, and I value the wisdom she’s been able to share. There’s going to be a little bit of a vacuum to fill in her absence, and I’m glad she’s continuing to serve our community.”
“As a Black woman leader, I have looked up to Janet Jackson and admired her eloquent, calm, direct, and yet humble, approach,” said Commissioner Angela Powell (D-Pontiac). “I have appreciated having a Black woman open her arms and help me when I became a commissioner. She is a woman of her word, and I know she will do well in her next journey.”
“I’ve always admired those who have chosen to throw their hat in to the ring and run for public office,” said Commissioner Bob Hoffman (R-Highland Township). “I believe public service is very admirable. I was confident Commissioner Jackson would win this election, and I am just as confident that she will do a good job.”
Jackson has held several leadership roles and been a member on many committees throughout her time on the Board. She is the first African American woman to serve as majority caucus chair, and she is a member of the Public Health & Safety and Legislative Affairs & Government Operations committees. In 2015, Commissioner Jackson was instrumental in the formation of the Oakland County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF), which serves as the leading resource for Oakland County in the prevention of human trafficking and in the protection and rehabilitation of victims, through education, advocacy and collaboration.
In addition, Jackson works in administration for AT&T. She is also a board member for the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA), an advisory board member of World Medical Relief in Southfield and a member of the Southfield Community Anti-Drug Coalition (SCADC) executive board.
Following Jackson’s formal resignation from the Board of Commissioners, the commission will appoint a replacement within 30 days or call for a special election to fill the remaining term, state statute Public Act 261 of 1966.
For additional information about the Board of Commissioners, visit www.oakgov.com/boc.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/subscriptions
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
https://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
