Q & A with Macomb County Board of Commissioners Chair Paul Gieleghem

 

Gieleghem (GIL-a-hem) is a life-long resident of Clinton Township with a long history of public service.  Prior to serving three two-year terms serving as a Michigan State Representative for the 31st District, he was a legislative aide to state Senator Ken DeBeaussaert, and handled constituent services for former Congressman David Bonior.

Currently serving his third term as County Commissioner for the 19th District, Gieleghem strongly supported the creation of a county charter which would transform the current structure to one that is led by a County Executive. 

In 2009, Gieleghem was elected Chair by his peers on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners.  His term expires on 12/31/2010. 

You have spent a great deal of your adult life in various forms of public service.  What do you like best about the responsibilities this position affords you?

I am fortunate to have had experience in several positions in which I had the opportunity to represent the community.   The best thing about all the jobs I’ve held is the privilege to provide a voice for citizens.  In my current position, I represent constituents in my area of Clinton Township as well as my colleagues on the Board of Commissioners.  I embrace the opportunity to help position Macomb County to compete globally.  To learn more about the specifics, please review the 2009 State of the County.

What have you found to be the greatest challenge thus far?

Change and economic challenges now confront us at unprecedented speeds.  Our current system limits the ability to respond.  Reforming the current system of our government is absolutely necessary to position Macomb County for the future.   Decision-making by 26 people is simply not good business.  Commissioners do a great job at representing local interests, but they are also charged with positioning the county to compete globally.  Macomb County needs a top executive we can rally around and hold accountable; someone responsible for setting the vision, implementing and following through.  Getting this type of county government structure in place will help us turn our challenges into opportunities and our problems into prospects.

It is hard to imagine that it has been nearly ten years that we were all preparing for the new millennium.  How would you like to see the County positioned in 2020?

Macomb County must position itself so that in 2020 it will remain the center of North American manufacturing and be a global hub of advanced engineering, research and development and a leader in environmental technology and green energy.  The county’s population is becoming increasingly diverse and we should build off that strength.  Great, solid healthcare institutions will need to be in place to service the aging population.  Higher education opportunities and advanced degrees must be accessible within the county so all residents have the chance to obtain the 21st Century education that will help them meet future economic demands successfully.

For now, what do you hope to accomplish in the remainder of your two-year term? 

Our focus is to make sure that Macomb County is in a competitive position.  Relationships have been established with our county’s largest employers and taxpayers and the Board has been at the forefront of efforts to stand up and support the auto and defense industries.  We’re offering to help our businesses diversify.  Local and foreign investment is being encouraged.  Solving the structural budget deficit through shared sacrifice is a top priority; setting steps in motion for establishing a world-class higher education system within our county and working to reform our current structure are all on the to-do list as well.

If you were asked to provide just one word that describes Macomb County, what would it be? 

Evolving.  We are hardworking and down-to-earth.  The word “evolving” describes us well because we will keep that which has made us great as we transition to meet the challenges of our future.