Dan DeGrow has had a long, varied and distinguished tenure as a public servant in Michigan, as a state House and Senate member, Senate Majority Leader, and then as head of the St. Clair County Regional Education Services Agency. It all started when some older lawmakers from the other party invited him to dinner – a reminder that personal relationships are vital to good government.
Don Gilmer, a Republican from Augusta, was a giant in Michigan politics and government, serving 22 years in the state House of Representatives, then as state lottery commissioner, and state budget director. Gilmer died on Aug. 12, 2019 of complications from Lewy Body Dementia. Perhaps the trait for which he will be most remembered was his ability to bring people with diverse interests, competing viewpoints, and both major parties together to craft good public policy. His longtime friend and colleague, former Michigan House Speaker Paul Hillegonds, delivered the eulogy at Gilmer’s memorial service.
During his tenure as an elected member of the Michigan House of Representatives, Paul Hillegonds served as minority leader, then co-speaker (55-55 tie), and then as full speaker. In his thoughtful commentary on leadership, he lays out precise qualities all prospective legislative leaders should try to attain. He highlights the need for trust to help forge common ground and good public policy. This commentary should be read by every candidate for legislative office.
When he was the Republican leader of the Michigan House Representatives, Paul Hillegonds wrote a moving tribute in honor of his recently deceased friend and colleague, former state Rep. Jim Dressel (R-Holland). He shows how true leaders never quit learning and growing.
