LANSING – State Representative Richard E. Hammel (D-Mt. Morris Township) has been named legislator of the year by the Michigan Association of Counties in recognition of his advocacy for county governments and his work to obtain the resources they need to serve Michigan residents effectively.
"Rep. Hammel clearly remembers his roots as a Genesee County commissioner and board chair, and he has remained an advocate of counties as a member of the state Legislature," said Kenneth Lautzenheiser, Michigan Association of Counties president. "His strong support of county issues and his leadership brought Michigan counties great success in 2007. Rick stays focused on building bridges with his colleagues and community members to help county leaders make Michigan a safer, better place for all of us."
Hammel was a Genesee County commissioner for nine years and served as chair for seven, making him the longest continuously serving board chairman in Genesee County history. Hammel was presented with the award today at the 2008 Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) Legislative Conference in Lansing. It was the first time the organization has granted the award to a legislator in about a decade.
Hammel's achievements as chair include bringing Automation Alley, a nationally recognized economic development organization, to Genesee County; executing strategies that improved the county's bond rating seven times; and establishing a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Benefits Association) trust to address the county's retiree health care obligations.
"This award from the Michigan Association of Counties means a lot to me because I work hard to apply what I learned as a county commissioner to my work as a state representative," Hammel said.
"Many people don't realize the extent to which the work that county governments do directly affects our lives. That work covers a wide range, including public safety issues like road projects and quality-of-life issues such as parks, while maintaining fiscal responsibility with taxpayer dollars."