The Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ Democratic Caucus met last week to determine leadership positions for the 2019-2020 term, when they will become the Democratic Majority Caucus for the first time since the 1970s. Next year, Commissioner Dave Woodward (D-Royal Oak) will become chairperson of the Board of
Commissioners and Commissioner Marcia Gershenson (D-Bloomfield Twp.) will become vice chairperson. Democrats also selected Commissioner Gary R. McGillivray (D-Madison Heights) and Commissioner Janet Jackson (D-Southfield) to serve as chairperson and vice chairperson, respectively, of the Board’s Democratic Caucus.
Woodward has served as chair of the Board’s Democratic Caucus for the last six years and led the caucus’ policy wins and campaign success that led to this year’s historic election with Democrats winning four new seats on the Board. Gershenson was the Democratic Caucus vice chair and led candidate recruitment for this year’s election.
“The voters made it clear they want us to get things done for working families in Oakland County, and that's exactly what we're going to do,” said Woodward. “We will pursue bold, creative ideas that increase opportunity for all, promote equality and build an economy that works for everyone – not just a few. Oakland County is ready to lead the way.”
“I am honored and excited to serve as vice chairperson,” said Gershenson. “For the first time ever, we have a female majority on the Board. Taking on this new role, which hasn’t been held by a woman in decades, is an opportunity to be a role model for young women and girls, and to show them they belong in leadership. As we start this new term, I’m looking forward to continue working collaboratively on both sides of the aisle on clean water, better roads for local communities, services for seniors, expanding school breakfast for Oakland County students, and more.”
“I look forward to my new leadership role,” said McGillivray. “My hope is to go into this new term working with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to best represent everyone in Oakland County. The most important concerns we must address are roads, water quality, care and services for our senior population and finding ways to reduce our opiate problem.”
“I am excited and very much looking forward to serving on the Board’s majority leadership team,” said Jackson. “I am proud and humbled to have been selected by my Democratic Caucus peers as the Majority Caucus vice chair. It is even more personally meaningful to me to be the first African American female to serve in this role, which will hopefully inspire others. Our county is diverse, with a population comprised of many women, races and cultures, and it is encouraging to serve on a leadership team that reflects that diversity. I anticipate working on issues that will further serve the needs of the people and community.”
The 2019-2020 Oakland County Board of Commissioners will be sworn in on January 9, 2019 during their first full board meeting.
Woodward represents the 19th District, which includes the City of Berkley and most of the City of Royal Oak. He was first elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 2004 and is a former state legislator. He can be reached at 248-894-6650 or woodward4cc@yahoo.com.
Gershenson represents the 13th District, which includes portions of the cities of Farmington Hills and West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Township. She was first elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 2004 and can be reached at 248-808-1032 or gershensonm@oakgov.com.
McGillivray represents the 20th District, which includes the cities of Madison Heights and Pleasant Ridge, as well as portions of Troy and Royal Oak. He was first elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 2008 and can be reached at 248-589-9207 or gary.mcgillivray@yahoo.com.
Jackson represents the 21st District, which includes portions of the cities of Farmington Hills and Southfield. She was first elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 2008 and can be reached at 248-910-6035 or janetjacksoncc1@gmail.com.
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