For the first time in recent memory, operating engineers will have a strong voice in Oakland County leadership.
William Miller, OE324 business agent, began serving on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in January. William won his election in November 2018 by an impressive 57.16 percent of the vote to represent District 14, which covers the City of Farmington, Southfield Township, and the villages of Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and Franklin, as well as a portion of the City of Farmington Hills.
“I’m excited to serve the folks who live and work in Oakland County, and improve the quality of life for our community through maximizing resources, minimizing impact and working hard,” William said. “As an operating engineer with years of experience, working with both big companies and men and women on the ground level who work hard for an honest day’s wage, I believe I bring a real-world perspective about how we can move Oakland County forward so everyone benefits. As the most dynamic county in Michigan, Oakland County can lead the way on critical issues that affect our state, from growing good-paying jobs – especially much-needed jobs in skilled trades – to improving our critical infrastructure, which is the bread and butter of operating engineers.”
As a commissioner, William will have a big influence with our Infrastructure needs, creating good paying jobs and apprenticeships in the 11-10 Democratic majority on the board, as they make decisions on Oakland County’s future, its $900-million budget for the year, and its 57,000 residents. William’s term on the board is for two years.
William isn’t the only OE324 member in Oakland County government. He’ll have some help taking on issues such as infrastructure and job creation and training in skilled trades: Andrea LaLonde will be on the Oakland County Road Commission. In early January, Andrea was appointed to a six-year-term by Chairman Dave Woodward. Andrea is the first woman to serve on the Oakland County Road Commission.
“I’m honored that Chairman Woodward has given me the opportunity to bring an operating engineer’s viewpoint into decisions affecting Oakland County roads, bridges, tunnels and other critical transportation infrastructure,” Andrea said. “Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has made clear that fixing our roads is the key to improving public safety and strengthening Michigan’s future. I look forward to using my expertise in the infrastructure sector and doing my part to make this priority a reality. I’m excited to tackle this important challenge with my fellow road commissioners and taking our economy to the next level, both here in Oakland County and across Michigan.”
Overseeing the largest county road system in Michigan, the road commission maintains more than 2,700 miles of county roads, over 230 miles of state highways and about 1,500 county, city and state traffic signals in Oakland County.
Andrea has worked with OE324 for 11 years. She previously worked for Midwest Steel in Detroit for eight years. Her father, Timothy LaLonde, is a 22-year member of the St. Clair County Road Commission.