On Dec. 7, 2016, most of the newly elected Emmet County Commissioners, along with County Administrator Marty Krupa, attended a “New County Commissioner Workshop” in Gaylord, offered by Michigan State University Extension.
The workshop is designed to help new Commissioners learn about the challenges and responsibilities of this new role.
For nearly 50 years, Michigan State University Extension and Michigan Association of Counties have offered this workshop series and other educational opportunities for new and returning commissioners, administrators and county officials. Topics covered included:
- Exploring the complexity of governance in today’s world.
- Learning more about their roles and responsibilities.
- Gaining an initial understanding of county finance.
- Learning the questions to ask when making decisions on policy issues.
- Networking with other commissioners.
The new Commissioners taking office Jan, 1, 2017 and their districts are:
Toni Drier, District 1
Neil Ahrens, District 2
Charlie MacInnis, District 3 (incumbent)
Bill Shorter, District 4
Jonathan Scheel, District 5
John Stakoe, District 6
Betsy White, District 7
“The sessions allowed the new commissioners the opportunity to network amongst many newly elected and re-elected county commissioners, and offered them the chance to discuss common issues facing many Michigan counties,” said Administrator Krupa. “Some of the most interesting topics included budgeting, finance, place-making and county structure.”
The new Board will hold an organizational meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, to set meeting dates and times and elect a chair and vice-chair, among other new year business. The meeting is open to the public.
