Governor
Rick Snyder has filled two major openings on his staff, naming
outgoing Representative John Walsh as his new director of strategy
and Kent Circuit Judge James Redford as his new legal counsel.
Mr.
Walsh (R-Livonia) replaces Bill Rustem, who retired earlier this
year. Mr. Redford, who lost a Supreme Court bid in November, succeeds
Michael Gadola, whom Mr. Snyder named to the Court of Appeals.
Mr.
Walsh will fill an especially critical role within the Governor’s
inner circle. During most of Mr. Snyder's first term, Mr. Rustem
functioned as the Executive Office's ideas person, helping craft many
special messages Mr. Snyder would issue and outlining his legislative
agenda as well as his State of the State addresses.
During
his time in the House, Walsh emerged as a top ally of House Speaker
Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) and became known as someone who was capable
of leading many difficult legislative issues. Mr. Walsh was a
critical figure in leading House approval of the so-called Grand
Bargain legislation that secured state aid to Detroit, as well as
several financial reforms in city operations. Prior to joining the
House in 2009,he was an executive at Schoolcraft College and a member
of the Livonia City Council. Mr. Walsh starts January 5 and Mr.
Redford starts January 15.