Hackel Sworn In As Macomb County Exec
Macomb County's first executive, Mark Hackel, has been sworn in to office. At a ceremony in front of the Macomb County Courthouse along Main Street in Mt. Clemens, Hackel took the oath of office from County Clerk Carmella Sabaugh.
Voters approved an executive-style of government two years ago. Hackel was elected in November. He spent ten years as Sheriff.
WWJ's Beth Fisher reports Hackel got choked up a little bit as he thanked his father, William, for being a good father while he and his two brothers were growing up. Mark Hackel was elected Sheriff shortly after his father was convicted of raping a woman.
Speaking with WWJ Thursday, Hackel said assembling a staff and the 2012 budget are his top priorities, but he also has a "wish list."
"Trying to promote this county whether it's Lake St. Clair, whether it's the waterways, tourism, economic development issues…can we get a regional airport, a four year university," Hackel said adding he wants to "change the face and look people have" of the county.
Following Hackel's swearing-in, new Sheriff Anthony Wickersham took his oath. Wickersham becomes the county's 46th Sheriff.