Commissioner Candice S. Miller
As Macomb County Public Works Commissioner, Candice S. Miller has responsibility for many of the critical infrastructure components of Macomb County that impact water quality, the local economy and quality of life in our communities. She is responsible for the management and upkeep of 475 County drains, all of which eventually drain storm water into Lake St. Clair. As such, she and her office are able to have tremendous impact on protecting the quality of the lake.
As manager of the Macomb Interceptor Drain and co-manager of the Oakland-Macomb Interceptor Drain, Commissioner Miller manages a system of pipes and pumps that provide sewer services to more than 1 million people. Other major duties include administration of the Soil Erosion Control Act, review of subdivision plats and management of the Chapaton and Martin retention basins. Her office supports ongoing educational efforts to teach both children and adults about the benefits of preserving and protecting our natural resources.
Miller has served the State of Michigan at various state and local levels. In 1980, she was elected Harrison Township Supervisor, becoming the youngest person and first woman in the township’s history to hold the post. In 1992, she was elected Macomb County Treasurer, becoming the first Republican to win a countywide office in Macomb County in more than 60 years, as well as the first woman to hold the position. In 1994, she was elected Michigan’s 40th Secretary of State, defeating a 24-year incumbent to become the first woman to ever hold the office and the first woman to ever win a partisan statewide office in her own right.
After two successful terms as Michigan Secretary of State, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002. In Congress, Representative Miller served as the Chairman of the Committee on House Administration. She also served as the Vice Chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security and as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security. She was also a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
In 2016, she was elected as Macomb County’s 11th Public Works Commissioner, and the first woman to hold the post. (Prior to 1976, the position was known as Drain Commissioner.) Voters re-elected her to a second, 4-year term in 2020.
During the course of her career, Miller has been honored by several organizations for her contributions to her nation and community. In 2012, she became only the 30th person to be awarded the Harry S. Truman Award for Distinguished Service in Support of National Defense. The award, presented by the National Guard Association of the United States, saluted not only a career of tireless support of the Michigan National Guard, but Miller’s advocacy to elevate the commander of the U.S. National Guard to 4-star general rank and to a seat on the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 2015, Miller was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, honoring her service at all levels of government. The hall of fame also acknowledged Miller’s unwavering support of water quality initiatives at all levels of government.
Contact information:
Public Works Building
21777 Dunham Road, Clinton Township, MI 48036
Phone: 586-469-5325
Email: public.works@macombgov.org