Macomb County Appoints Ken Goike as New District 1 Commissioner

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. — The Macomb County Board of Commissioners appointed former state Rep. Ken Goike as its new District 1 commissioner during a meeting on Thursday. Goike, a Republican, replaces Don Brown, who resigned in December to become deputy public works commissioner under Candice Miller.

Goike, who served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. “I’m pretty elated about being appointed to the post,” he said. “And very, very happy about people having the confidence in me for this.”

Goike was selected from a pool of 15 applicants, two of whom withdrew. Eight commissioners voted for Goike, while four supported Troy Patrick Kosal, a former candidate for Washington Township supervisor. Goike’s background includes work in Miller’s public works office and ownership of an excavating business. He also has experience in infrastructure, which he described as a specialty.

His appointed term will last until a special election in 2026. The board passed a resolution scheduling a primary election for August 4, 2026, and a general election for November 3, 2026. Goike has the option to run in the election if he chooses.

In addition to Goike’s appointment, the board unanimously elected Joe Sabatini as its new chair on Jan. 9. Sabatini, a Republican representing District 4, previously served as chair of the Finance/Audit/Budget Committee. He emphasized the importance of financial expertise and staff management in his new role. “I’m big on process, I’m big on procedures,” Sabatini said. “We’ll have some fine-tuning to do things that I think are important that will support the commissioners.”

Sabatini’s appointment followed the resignation of Don Brown, who praised his successor. “Joe will be an outstanding chairman,” Brown said. “Working with all the county commissioners and countywide officials to ensure the taxpayer interests are protected.”

Sabatini, who has served on the board since 2010, highlighted the mentorship he received from Brown. “I’ve been lucky to serve with so many experienced people that have helped me,” he said. “Commissioner Brown was the first person that called me when I got elected years ago.”

The board also reelected Vice Chair Harold Haugh and Sylvia Grot as sergeant-at-arms. With these leadership changes in place, the board is now focused on addressing county priorities and preparing for the upcoming special election.