Just call him Mr. Switalski – the senator (and such) returns

As the Macomb County Board of Commissioners engaged in an
intense discussion about approving $82 million worth of government contracts on
Wednesday, former commissioner Mickey Switalski marched in with a group of political
science students that he teaches at Oakland University.

The intent was to give the kids some exposure to local
government in action. What they witnessed was a discussion that produced
considerable venom aimed at County Executive Mark Hackel.

Switalski’s “field trip” didn’t involve a lot of
traveling. The kids attend his class at OU’s Anton/Frankel Center in downtown
Mount Clemens, located across the street from the county Administration
Building where the board meets.

The former commissioner, now an adjunct professor at
several local colleges, is also a former state representative, former state
senator, former (and current) Roseville city council member, and former
congressional candidate.

When Commissioner Fred Miller, a fellow Democrat,
introduced Switalski to the board and the audience, Miller playfully added: “What
title has he not held?”

Laughter ensued, followed by a shout-out from someone: “County
executive.”