Honoring elected officials doing good work

As a membership organization of local governments, one of SEMCOG’s goals is to promote good government and those elected officials who do good work on behalf of their residents and our region.

To that end, way back in 1974, we established the Regional Ambassador Award and give it to individuals and organizations for their unique contributions to the quality of life in Southeast Michigan. It is SEMCOG’s highest honor.

I am proud to tell you about the newest recipients of this prestigious award. At our General Assembly on March 24, we honored U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller and Canton Township Supervisor Phil LaJoy.

These officials have been a voice for regionalism at all levels of government. Let me tell you about some of their good work.

Phil LaJoy and Candice Miller (Photo: SEMCOG)

Congresswoman Candice Miller’s public service career has been linked to SEMCOG from her early days on the Harrison Township Board of Trustees to her current responsibilities representing Michigan’s 10th District in the House of Representatives. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, she’s played a significant role in ensuring that local governments working together through organizations like SEMCOG have a voice in transportation decisions. She has also been a leader in protecting the Great Lakes and promoting Michigan industry – taking positions on these issues closely aligned with SEMCOG priorities. In receiving award last week, Congresswoman Miller called it a “humbling honor.”

Phil LaJoy has represented Canton in different capacities since 1989 – as a Township Trustee for 14 years, a State Representative for five years, and Township Supervisor since 2008. In Lansing, he was a tireless advocate for Southeast Michigan’s transportation system as a member of the House Transportation Committee. At SEMCOG, LaJoy chaired our Transportation Committee and Legislative Task Force and was a strong advocate in Lansing and Washington. He’s been a SEMCOG Vice Chair for the past five years. Accepting the award, Supervisor LaJoy called SEMCOG, “a tremendous resource for local governments and communities, and I am thankful to be a part of such a great organization.”

We appreciate the work that both Candice Miller and Phil LaJoy do to improve Southeast Michigan. This award acknowledges their great work on behalf of our region.

Candice Miller and Phil LaJoy bring the number of Regional Ambassadors honored since 1974 to 110. If you’re ever in our office, be sure to check out the plaque on our wall honoring all of them. You will certainly be impressed!