The Michigan Townships Association (MTA) last week recognized Rep. Gary Howell (R-North Branch) and Sen. Jim Stamas (R-Midland) for their support of township government by presenting them with the MTA “Legislator of the Year” awards. Both Howell and Stamas received the prestigious award, which honors lawmakers who are instrumental in legislation impacting township government and who work diligently to protect local citizen input

“Rep. Gary Howell and Sen. Jim Stamas consistently put good public policy before partisan politics,” MTA Executive Director Larry Merrill said. “Both have gone above and beyond to not only listen to township input, but also taking what they’ve heard and using it to shape legislation. Their work was instrumental in the passage of key bills, from assessing reform to including township voices in the purchase of state land.”

Howell has a long history of township government involvement, including 40 years as a township attorney, as well as service as a township trustee, board of review member, and planning commissioner. He brings a local government perspective to legislative discussions. Since coming to Lansing, he has diligently worked with MTA and other organizations to support local control and provide alternatives to preemption of the rights of local citizens.

Last year, thanks to Howell’s efforts, the Legislature reached a resolution to the long-standing state land use issue. Throughout the process, he worked to ensure that townships have a voice when state land is purchased or sold within their jurisdictions.

Representative Howell is also currently engaged in a battle to protect local control over gravel operations, including the disputed Metamora gravel mine. “The proposed mine has been consistently rejected by Metamora Township and has been defeated in the courts several times over. I find it insulting that gravel companies that haven’t gotten what they want from townships and the courts think that they can go to Lansing and change the law to deprive locals of any control,” said Howell. “I will do everything I can in my legislative role to ensure this legislation does not become law and that local control is maintained.”

“It is a high honor to be named Legislator of the Year by the Michigan Townships Association,” Howell said. “Having been involved in township government my entire adult life and having worked closely with this vital organization, I realize how extremely important it is to have representation in Lansing to safeguard local citizen control. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the MTA on future legislative issues.”