The Michigan Townships Association (MTA) recognized Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) and Rep. Jack O’Malley (R-Almira Twp.) for their support of township government by presenting them with MTA’s 2022 “Legislator of the Year” awards. Sen. Moss and Rep. O’Malley received the prestigious awards, which honor lawmakers who are instrumental in legislative efforts impacting township government and who work diligently on townships’ behalf, at an annual banquet held Thursday, April 27 during the Association’s Annual Conference & Expo in Lansing.
“Our Legislators of the Year are strong champions for Michigan’s local governments as well as important partners with MTA in helping to ensure that local leaders retain the ability to best serve and safeguard their communities,” said Neil Sheridan, MTA executive director. “Sen. Moss served at the local level early in his public service career and has never forgotten the importance of local authority in his position as a legislator. Rep. O’Malley also strongly values the critical role of local governments, and has worked with MTA to preserve local control on key legislative issues, including short-term rentals. We are proud to recognize their efforts, which have benefitted every township in the state.”
Sen. Moss is serving his first term representing the 11th State Senate District in southern Oakland County. He was the youngest-ever elected official in Southfield city history when he was elected in 2011 to a seat on the city council at age 25. He was elected to the state House in 2014, where he served as Democratic whip. Sen. Moss serves on the Senate Local Government Committee, as well as the Economic and Small Business Development, and Regulatory Reform Committees. Throughout his time in the Legislature, the senator has been a tireless champion and supporter of townships and all local governments on countless legislation, and has worked to restore harmful revenue cuts to our state’s communities.
“I’m proud of my years-long partnership with the Michigan Townships Association to ensure our local neighborhoods have the state support to remain vibrant and strong,” Sen. Moss said. “We’ve worked closely together to return state funding back home to provide for essential municipal services and protect the local control township officials need to address community-specific issues. I’m honored to be recognized as an MTA Legislator of the Year and look forward to continuing my advocacy for township residents throughout our state.”
Rep. O’Malley was first elected to the state House in 2018, is current chair of the House Transportation Committee and serves on the Tax Policy, Financial Services, Education and Oversight Committees, and has worked determinedly on behalf of local authority. Along with nearly 40 years in TV and radio broadcasting, the representative is active in many local community efforts, and has worked with area law enforcement and fire departments.
“Every elected official has a duty to serve our constituents,” Rep. O’Malley said. “While we don’t expect any type of recognition for that work, I do want to say how much this award means to me. Our local units of government have been forced to go through some tough times these past few years, and they need all the help they can get. I want to thank MTA for this recognition and I look forward to continuing to be their ally throughout my legislative term.”