MADERA - The Madera County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to appoint District 5 supervisor Tom Wheeler to serve as the 2018 chairman of the board.  District 1 Supervisor Brett Frazier will serve as pro tem. The first supervisor meeting of the year is typically a reorganization meeting, with annual formalities on the agenda.

Tuesday’s meeting was no different, as 2017 chair Max Rodriguez passed the proverbial gavel to Wheeler. The supervisors presented Rodriguez with a plaque thanking him for his time leading the board. “It has been a pleasure to work with each of you,” said Rodriguez “I have no doubt Supervisor Wheeler will do an exceptional job as chairman.”

The chairman approves meeting agendas, presides over board meetings, serves as the official spokesperson for the board, represents the county at public events, appoints supervisors to various boards and commissions, and signs written correspondence and legal documents.

Wheeler took the time to recognize members of his friends and family followed by the announcement of several changes he plans to implement.  Most notably, he will host a series of on-the-road meetings in Oakhurst, Chowchilla, and Madera Ranchos.  “This is one of many efforts to engage communities and increase transparency” Wheeler stated. 

As his first order of business, Wheeler arranged for a Proclamation to be read into the record by local author and historian, Bill Coate, commemorating the quasquicentennial or 125th anniversary of Madera County’s incorporation.  The proclamation outlined Madera County’s creation and was dedicated to those, past and present, who have served our community as elected and appointed officials, civic and business leaders, local agencies and organizations, and numerous volunteers who have helped promote community involvement throughout its 125 years of existence.  The Proclamation, along with several historical artifacts, will be on display at the Madera County Government Center lobby throughout the year.

“Today we celebrate the people and the successes of our county that have exemplified our mission with a year-long celebration commemorating our heritage,” said Wheeler. 

To honor this momentous occasion, the county has established a 125th anniversary committee composed various volunteers throughout the county including the Madera County Historical Society and the Madera County Visitors Bureau.  In the coming months, details of special events and ways to participate will be available. Events such as Boy Scouts Civics Day, State of the County, Madera County Employee Appreciation Night, Old Timer’s Week activities, will each incorporate the 125th anniversary theme. We invite residents, businesses, and organizations to be a part of the planning, as well as the celebration.

Both Supervisors' Wheeler and Frazier will stand for re-election this June in the California primary election.

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