Auburn Hills experienced a true honor today when we had the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Leonard Hendricks.  

A park bench with an engraved plaque reads: In honor of Leonard Hendricks, a visionary leader and first City Manager of Auburn Hills.

From left to right: Mayor McDaniel, City Manager Tom Tanghe, Mr. Leonard Hendricks, Council Member Henry Knight, Mayor Pro-tem VeRonica Mitchell.

A lamp post is adorned with a sign stating: Leonard’s Lane.

Mayor McDaniel with Auburn Hills’ first City Manager, Leonard Hendricks.

Leonard retired 26 years ago after having served as Auburn Hills’ first City Manager.  With few words and humble as ever, Mr. Hendricks attended a gathering today with family, friends, and former and current colleagues for an unveiling ceremony for which he had no knowledge.   Continue reading “Leonard Hendricks…26 Years Later” →

Ms. Eddington was nominated by Officer Brian Miller.

Ms. Eddington with her award at the Auburn Hills Morning Optimist Club meeting.

On Thursday morning, October 5th, like most Thursday mornings, I attended a weekly Auburn Hills Morning Optimist Club meeting.  Today we were lucky enough to share our meeting with Tamera Eddington, our wonderful and highly reliable Crossing Guard at Will Rogers Elementary.  Rain or shine, Tamera is there to make certain that children safely cross to get to school each morning and afternoon, like clockwork.   Continue reading “Tamera Eddington – Recognition Earned and Recognition Well Deserved!” →

Educating the public about what we do is part of the role of local government leaders. Getting the word out about what is happening in the community is certainly something we take pride in here in Auburn Hills.  

This week our Community Development Director, Steve Cohen, is on a bit of a community speaking tour talking about growth and development in the community and the amount of investment that is currently taking place here in Auburn Hills. Steve started his day at 7:30 a.m. speaking before the Auburn Hills Morning Optimist Club.  

From there, he headed to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets where he presented the information again to a group of individuals representing the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce.  His third appearance is before the seniors at our Senior Center.  

Tom Tanghe, City Manager

City Attorney Derk Beckerleg (holding the award) with City Manager Tom Tanghe.

MAMA President Clyde Robinson presents the award to Derk Beckerleg.

City Attorney Beckerleg looks on as MAMA President Robinson speaks.

I had the privilege of being in Holland, Michigan yesterday to attend an awards presentation for the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys (MAMA).  While this is not something I would normally attend, I was lucky enough to be there in support of our City Attorney, Derk Beckerleg, as he received the association’s top honor … Distinguished Municipal Attorney Award. 

Derk is an integral part of the Auburn Hills organization and does a tremendous job of representing the interests of Auburn Hills.  We are proud of Derk for receiving this award but even more so, we are proud to call him our City Attorney.

Tom Tanghe, City Manager

FCA US retains a piece of the mangled steel from the World Trade Center on display at FCA US headquarters in Auburn Hills.

A flag with the names of all of the victims is proudly displayed at the FCA US headquarters next to the World Trade Center display.

A commemorative pin was given to each attendee at today’s remembrance.

I had the privilege of being a guest this morning of the FCA US Veterans Group who paid tribute to the victims of 9/11 on this, the sixteenth anniversary of the horrific tragedy that took place in New York City.  Guests for the event were welcomed by the group’s chairperson, Roy Lee; followed by an invocation, a remembrance, and then a moment of silence with candles.  To conclude the event, guests recited the words to TAPS, something that I never knew existed.  Day is done, gone the sun, From the hills, from the lake, From the skies.  All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.  Special thanks to FCA US for including me in this morning’s remembrance and tribute.  I was honored to attend.  

Tom Tanghe, City Manager