The Commissioner for Oakland County’s District 3 just got a job with a little more weight.
Michael J. Gingell (R), Commissioner for the district that includes Orion Township, the Village of Lake Orion and Oakland Township was elected to become the newest Chairman of the Board of Commissioners with a unanimous vote from his peers during the inaugural swearing-in ceremony Wednesday, Jan. 5.
The ceremony was held for the introduction of a new chair and vice chair appointees, and the nine new commissioners joining the board.
‘I served as the vice chairman for the last two years, and I think that was something that made the members of the board more comfortable with me,? said Gingell. ‘I’m honored to be elected by my fellow commissioners, and I take the responsibility seriously.
‘I was not lobbying for this position, but I’m ready and willing to serve my fellow boardmembers and the citizens of the county.?
Gingell, 39, was first elected as an Oakland County Commissioner for District 3 in November 2006 and also served as the board’s vice chairman. During his time as commissioner, Gingell served as vice chairman of the Finance Committee, chairman of the Finance Audit Committee, a member of the Human Resources Committee and an alternate member of the Sanitary Appeal Board.
Before being elected to the county commission, Gingell served for six years on the Orion Township Board of Trustees, four on the Township Zoning Board of Appeals, six on the Safety Path Committee and has been involved with a number of community organizations.
He also serves as the vice president of R. L. Polk, an automotive information company based in Southfield.
Yet now, as the Chairman of the Board, Gingell said he will act as the leader of the board, helping to focus its members on issues currently confronting the county. Gingell also mentioned that his chief concern was the county’s finances.
‘My focus is going to be concentrating on financial stability of the county, which I think is going to be out biggest challenge,? said Gingell. ‘Part of that challenge is going to be continuing to offer the same services we currently provide with the lower revenues were getting.?
Despite the challenges, Gingell remains confident about his position, and believes he is up to the task at hand. He believes that the board’s primary concern should be that of the citizens, and that meeting that responsibility should be done quickly and efficiently.
‘Focusing on meeting the need of the citizen’s should come first, and I think we can do that without all the fanfare,? said Gingell. ‘Those that want to help get things done will follow along with the rest of us and those who want to sit around and play games will be left behind.?
Gingell earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Oakland University and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Wayne State.
He lives in Orion Township with his wife Karen and their three children.