By Frank DeFrank, Macomb Daily Staff Writer

The Macomb County Charter Commission, charged with drafting a constitution as a prelude to a county executive form of government, reached out to a former elected official for help this week.

Ralph "Skip" Maccarone of Shelby Township was hired as executive director of the 26-member panel. He will serve as full-time administrator.

Although the position is full time, the appointment is temporary. Maccarone's job will be eliminated when the commission completes its work.

Maccarone will be paid $1,000 weekly. He'll receive no benefits.

"Skip brings so many qualities to the commission," said Jacob Femminineo Jr., commission chairman. "He knows everybody and he's a great communicator."

Many of the charter commissioners are new to government and they'll look to Maccarone for advice, guidance and to "reach out to the public," Femminineo said.

"We want to know what they think, we want their opinions," Femminineo said.

Maccarone, 60, served eight years as Shelby Township supervisor until he was defeated in the primary election last August.

Prior to winning election as supervisor in 2000, Maccarone was a private-practice attorney from 1985-2000 and worked as a Detroit police officer from 1969-1985, attaining the rank of sergeant in 1976.

He holds a law degree from the Detroit College of Law and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Wayne State University.

As executive director, his duties will include:

Attendance at all Charter Commission meetings;

Assist the chairman and committee chairpersons as needed;

Research and provide statistics and data when requested by commissioners;

Provide advice on parliamentary procedures;

Meet with other county branches of government;

Provide public relations services, including the preparation of news releases and acting as the commission's spokesman.

"It's more a coordination position than anything else," Maccarone said. "They need somebody who's familiar with county government."

Maccarone's appointment was approved by a 20-4 vote at the Charter Commission's regular meeting Wednesday. He assumed his new post immediately. A Republican, he'll serve at the pleasure of the commission, which is made up of 22 Democrats and four Republicans.

The commission faces a June 21 deadline to submit a charter to Gov. Jennifer Granholm for approval. Once approved by the governor, county voters will have their say.