Eric D. McPherson has been sworn in as the new member of the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) Board. Commissioner McPherson attended his first Road Commission Board meeting yesterday, Thursday, Feb. 2.
The Road Commission is governed by a three-member Board of Road Commissioners. The road commissioners are appointed by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and serve for six-year terms.
“I would like to thank the Oakland County Board of Commissioners for my appointment to the Road Commission Board,” McPherson said. “My goal is to continue to promote the national reputation of this Board and organization for its superior road operations. I recognize that credit needs to be given to the staff and laborers who make this happen.”
In addition to McPherson, the two other Board members are Chair Andrea LaLonde and Vice Chair Nancy Quarles.
McPherson is a life-long resident of Hazel Park and a business agent for the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 80.
“I look forward to being part of this organization. I come from a background of labor and blue-collar workers and welcome the opportunity for new policy-making habits that work for labor, management, residents and users of the roads,” McPherson stated. “Safe roads and looking for new ways of funding the roads must remain priorities.”
He added he is anxious to receive feedback from cities, villages, townships and residents on the agency’s roads. “I want all roads, both suburban and rural, to be safe for all travelers.”
McPherson also cautioned that the agency will have to contend with changes in the automotive industry. “The automotive revolution, with electric vehicles, batteries and charging stations will be innovations that this Board will face and have to work with,” he noted.
RCOC Board Chair LaLonde welcomed McPherson to the Road Commission. “I am sure Eric will be a great addition to this Board, and I look forward to his contributions,” LaLonde stated.
McPherson is a 1983 graduate of Catholic Central High School and a 37 year member of SMART Local 80. He has been a business representative for the organization for 17 years, is a trustee of the Local’s Insurance Fund, is a building trades journeyman, has completed continuing education classes in upgrading labor, is a trustee of the Michigan Maritime Trades Port Council and is chair of the Oakland County Building Authority.
