The Macomb County Board of Commissioners has appointed former state Rep. Ken Goike as its new District 1 commissioner.
Goike, a Republican, succeeds Don Brown, the former board chairman who resigned from the commission in December. Brown moved to Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller’s office, where he is serving as the deputy public works commissioner/government relations.
![From left, Don Brown shakes hands Thursday with former state Rep. Ken Goike, the newly appointed District 1 county commissioner, at a Macomb County Commission meeting in Mount Clemens. The seat was recently vacated by Brown, who resigned for a job in Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller's office. At right is District 7 Commissioner James M. Perna.](https://i0.wp.com/www.detroitnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/01/23/PDTN/77912600007-20250123-rbmemacombcommissioners-415.jpg?ssl=1)
Goike was selected from a pool of applicants during Thursday’s board meeting. He told reporters after the meeting that he’s “pretty elated” about being appointed to the post.
“And very, very happy about people having the confidence in me for this,” he said.
Goike was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2010 and served until the end of 2016. After his time as a lawmaker, he worked for Miller’s public works office. He also owns an excavating business and is involved in philanthropic organizations. He said infrastructure is a specialty of his.
Goike’s appointed term will last until a commissioner is elected in a special election in 2026. The Board of Commissioners passed a resolution on Thursday scheduling a primary election for the seat for August 4, 2026, and a general election for November 3, 2026. Goike could run in the election if he so chooses.
Fifteen people applied for the open seat, but two withdrew from consideration. On Thursday, eight commissioners selected Goike and four selected Troy Patrick Kosal, who ran unsuccessfully for Washington Township supervisor in 2024.
The other applicants (who hadn’t withdrawn) included Daniel David Bartolotta, Wayne D. Connor II, Onorio D’Agostini, Kenneth DeCock, Andrew Hale, Gary E. Kopp, Thomas J. Matthews, Jacob Newby, Douglas C. Stier, Jeff Yaroch and Jean Rochelle Zott.
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The Macomb County board has announced that they have selected former state lawmaker John Doe to fill the vacant seat on the board. Doe, who served in the state legislature for over a decade, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position.
In a statement, the board praised Doe’s dedication to public service and his commitment to serving the residents of Macomb County. They believe that his experience at the state level will be invaluable in helping to address the issues facing the county.
Doe expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the board and vowed to work tirelessly to represent the interests of the community. He is eager to get to work and make a positive impact on the county.
The board’s decision to appoint Doe has been met with widespread support from the community, with many residents expressing confidence in his ability to lead effectively. With his appointment, the board is now at full strength and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
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