GRANHOLM - Governor Granholm Announces Appointments, Reappointments

August 28, 2008

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments and reappointments:

Michigan Aeronautics Commission

Sidney Adams Jr. of Battle Creek, owner of Adams Computer Services, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring May 27, 2012.

James M. Collins of Marquette, attorney in private practice and retired judge of the 96th District Court, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring May 27, 2012.

The commission is responsible for the general supervision of all aeronautics within the state. It is empowered by state law to make rules and regulations governing all airports, flight schools, and other aeronautical activities.

These appointments are subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963. They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

Michigan Board of Boiler Rules

R. Kim Black of Grand Haven, president of Johnston Boiler Company, is appointed to represent fire tube boiler manufacturers for a term expiring June 30, 2010. He succeeds Joseph P. Day whose term has expired.

Jason D. Jackard of Haslett, owner and managing member of National Piping, LLC, is appointed to represent boiler repair contractors for a term expiring June 30, 2010. He succeeds Robert S. Weber whose term has expired.

Daniel G. Sovinski of Newaygo, plant engineer for Ferris State University, is appointed to represent consulting engineers for a term expiring June 30, 2009. He succeeds Curt A. Songer whose term has expired.

The Board of Boiler Rules formulates definitions and rules for the safe construction, installation, inspection, and repair of boilers in this state.

These appointments are subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963. They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

Construction Safety Standards Commission

Joseph L. Gillespie of Newaygo, safety technician for the city of Grand Rapids, is appointed to represent public employers of this state actively engaged in construction operations on the management level for a term expiring March 18, 2011. He succeeds Peter J. Strazdas whose term has expired.

Don R. Hiltunen of Hancock, real estate broker for the Law Offices of Don R. Hiltunen, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring March 18, 2010. He succeeds Ram Gunabalan who has resigned.

The Construction Safety Standards Commission provides rules and establishes safety standards for construction operations to protect the life and safety of construction workers in Michigan.

These appointments are subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963. They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

Crime Victims Services Commission

Ralph J. Mason, an independent of Kentwood, police lieutenant for the Grand Rapids Police Department, is appointed to represent peace officers for a term expiring September 27, 2010. He succeeds Martin G. Bandemer whose term has expired.

The commission is responsible for the oversight of monies the state receives in victim assistance competitive grant awards and is established to collect data, investigate claims, review appeals, provide public awareness, and monitor, evaluate and coordinate local programs. It also has the authority to disburse available federal Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) funds.

This appointment is subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963. It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.

Michigan Forest Finance Authority Board of Directors

Karen L. Potter-Witter of Haslett, professor for the Michigan State University Department of Forestry, is reappointed to represent individuals from a colleges or universities in the state with knowledge and expertise in forest management for a term expiring May 31, 2011.

Kelvin P. Smyth of Escanaba, government and community affairs manager for NewPage Corporation, is reappointed to represent the forest products industry within the state for a term expiring May 31, 2011.

The Michigan Forest Finance Authority Board of Directors manages the financing of forest management operations, implementing a system of forest management, issues bonds or notes, and contracts for timber cutting rights.

These reappointments are subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963. They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

State Transportation Commission

Steven K. Girard, an independent of Grand Rapids, attorney with Nantz, Litowich, Smith, Girard & Hamilton, is appointed to fill a vacancy on the commission for the remainder of a term expiring December 21, 2010.

The State Transportation Commission establishes policies for the Department of Transportation, its programs and facilities, and other public works of the state, as provided by law. Responsibilities of the commission include the development and implementation of comprehensive transportation plans for the entire state, providing professional and technical assistance, and overseeing the administration of state and federal funds allocated for these programs.
This appointment is subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963. It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

Michigan Truck Safety Commission

Thomas W. O'Brien of Fremont, director of Lakeshore Business and Industrial Service Center for Muskegon Community College, is appointed to represent Michigan community colleges for a term expiring August 4, 2009. He succeeds John E. Theroux whose term has expired.

The Michigan Truck Safety Commission is responsible for the expenditures of the truck safety fund and also receives donations and establishes truck driver safety education classes.

This appointment is subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963. It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

# # #