Two days after being elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, Brad Jacobsen was appointed to finish out the remainder of his late father-in-law’s term representing District #1.
‘I’m very, very pleased and thankful that the people of the district thought I’d be able to do the job,? he said. ‘I’m easy to access if they have any questions about county operations or suggestions for projects that might need to be done around the county.?
Jacobsen easily defeated his young Democratic opponent Madalyn Miller, 19, of Brandon, by a margin of 12,016 to 7,293 in the Nov. 7 general election.
He was selected by the Oakland County Republican Party’s Executive Committee to run for the seat following Bill Patterson’s unexpected death Oct. 16.
Patterson held the District #1 seat since 1998.
Wasting no time, Jacobsen was sworn-in Nov. 9 to complete Patterson’s term, which expires Dec. 31.
‘They walked me in and said, ‘Fill out all this paperwork. Here’s your mailbox and here’s your mail,?? he said. ‘They handed me about four inches worth of paperwork to go over.?
Not only will Jacobsen fill Patterson’s commission seat, he’s taking over his father-in-law’s positions on the Personnel and General Government committees.
Jacobsen will begin his elected two-year term of office in January.
He represents Oxford, Addison, Brandon and Groveland townships, two precincts in northeast Independence Township and the villages of Oxford, Leonard and Ortonville.
Keeping the District #1 seat in Republican hands was a crucial victory for the county party in an election dominated by Democratic victories.
GOP control of the commission dwindled from a comfortable five-seat majority to a narrow one-seat lead.
Come January, the county commission will be comprised of 13 Republicans and 12 Democrats.
Even though District #1 is traditionally a Republican stronghold, Jacobsen admitted he was somewhat concerned that swing voters casting straight Democratic tickets would carry his opponent to victory.
‘I was a bit concerned with the Democratic sweep of so many offices,? he said. ‘I wasn’t real worried about it, but there’s always that glimmer of doubt until the numbers are all in.?
Jacobsen wants his constituents to know he’s always available to listen and help when it comes to their questions, concerns, problems and ideas.
‘Don’t hesitate to give me a call and we’ll see if there’s anything we can do to take care of it,? he said.
Jacobsen said people can feel free to call him at home. His number is (248) 628-0759.
His county e-mail isn’t up and running yet.