GRANHOLM - Governor Granholm Announces Appointments, Reappointments

August 27, 2008

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments:

Michigan Tax Tribunal

Kimbal R. Smith, III of Lansing, attorney with Hoffert & Associates, is appointed to represent members at large for a term expiring June 30, 2011. He succeeds John S. Gilbreath whose term has expired.

The Tax Tribunal hears appeals from taxpayers who are aggrieved by ad valorem property tax assessments, special assessments, equalization, allocation, and apportionment under the general property tax laws. The tribunal also has jurisdiction over determinations issued by the department of treasury concerning income tax; sales, use, and withholding taxes; single business tax; motor fuel tax; and intangible and inheritance taxes.

This appointment is subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963. It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.

Michigan Employment Security Board of Review

Amy L. Rosenberg of Lansing, assistant attorney general, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring December 31, 2008. She succeeds Stephen M. Geskey who has resigned.

The Michigan Employment Security Board of Review hears and decides appeals of the Unemployment Agency, referees decisions and/or orders connected with claims for unemployment compensation for federal workers, state employees, veterans, and industrial and commercial workers. The board also hears and decides appeals concerning the tax liability and assessment of employers under the Michigan Employment Security Act.

This appointment is subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963. It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.

Michigan Board of Auctioneers

Gwyneth E. Besner of Acme, owner and president of Besner Auction and Realty, LLC and the Acme Institute, Inc, is appointed to represent registered auctioneers for a term expiring October 1, 2010.

Michael J. Ferency of St. Johns, adjunct professor for Michigan State University Law School, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring October 1, 2010.

Don R. Hiltunen of Hancock, a real estate broker and owner of Law Office of Don Hiltunen, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring October 1, 2009.

Deatra L. Lechtanski of Brighton, auctioneer and co-owner of Auctions By Past Presents, is appointed to represent registered auctioneers for a term expiring October 1, 2011.

Robert A. Rottier of Fremont, president of Auction Connection Incorporated, is appointed to represent registered auctioneers for a term expiring October 1, 2008.

Kirsten G. Simmons of Lansing, executive coordinator for the Michigan Food Policy Council, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring October 1, 2011.

Lee R. Smittendorf of Fulton, auctioneer for Glassman Smittendorf Auctioneers, is appointed to represent registered auctioneers for a term expiring October 1, 2011.

Bradley A. Stoecker of Dansville, member of Stoecker Auction Service, LLC, is appointed to represent registered auctioneers for a term expiring October 1, 2009.

The Michigan Board of Auctioneers was created by Act 489 of 2006. The duties of this board will include overseeing ethical practices as they relate to the business of conducting auctions. These appointments are subject to Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963. They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.

Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science

Father Russell E. Kohler of Detroit, pastor of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2009. He succeeds Richard Hutton whose term has expired.

David W. Akins of Detroit, director of Wilson-Akins Funeral Homes, is reappointed to represent professionals for a term expiring June 30, 2012.

Ida I. DeHaas of Belmont, retired General Motors employee, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2012.

Rev. Donald J. Duford, SSC of Clarkston, retired priest of the Church of the Resurrection, is reappointed to represent the general public for a term expiring June 30, 2011.

Thomas P. Lynch of Milford, writer and owner of Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, is reappointed to represent professionals for a term expiring June 30, 2011.

The Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science provides for the licensure and regulation of mortuary science practitioners, sets qualifications and examination requirements, and provides penalties for violations of the act.

These appointments and reappointments are subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963. They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

# # #