February was a big month for the newest member of Oxford Village Council.
At 35, Kelsey Cooke was named one of Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40, an annual list of 40 young professionals and thought leaders under the age of 40 who live or work in Oakland County.
Cooke serves the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner as Drainage District Legal Counsel. In this role, she provides legal counsel to the Commissioner and to drainage district boards involving Oakland County, works on policy related to water, sewer, soil and other environmental matters, drafts legislation and testifies before House and Senate committees in Lansing, and handles all labor relations for the Water Commission and its 350 employees. She is also Vice-Chair of Oakland County Bar Association’s Municipal Law Committee.
She said it was “surprising and flattering” to be recognized.
At least five people nominated her, including Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash. “Kelsey is a talented, dedicated and responsible public servant, and is a strong asset to our WRC team,” said Nash. “We are pleased that her extraordinary talents in the legal profession have been recognized with this significant honor.”
The selection process was rigorous. There were 250 nominations narrowed down to 60 by past winners, then a private committee selected the 40 from those finalists.
“We are fortunate to have such passionate and talented leaders who are committed to their professions and improving their communities,” County Executive David Coulter said. “They truly are bringing Oakland County together for a more prosperous future. They are a wonderful testament to the diversity and talent in our county.”
Cooke keeps picking up extra responsibilities. “The more people I meet, the more opportunities open and the more I happen to get involved,” she explained. Locally, she has served on the Village Planning Commission for the last year.
On Feb. 18, the Village Council appointed her to fill the seat council seat vacated by Kate Logan.
“I’ve worked closely the last year with Kelsey on the Planning Commission,” said Councilwoman Maureen Helmuth. “She’s been fabulous. I think she’d be a great addition to the Village Council. She brings a different point of view, she has great qualifications.”
Village President Joe Frost said, “I do like Kelsey’s Water Resource Commission experience, probably the best, because as we move into our lead and copper rules I think it would be nice to have that asset especially an asset who understands the legal side of the water rules and utility improvements.”
Her appointment will expire in November, when there will be an election for the remainder of the seat’s term through 2022.
“It was a pleasure working with you over this past year,” she wrote in a Feb. 24 letter of resignation from the Planning Commission. “We accomplished a lot during our meetings, and I’ve been impressed with the great relationships and respect shown between you all. It’s refreshing to be a part of a group of community members like you who volunteer time out of your busy work and family schedules and really work toward what is best for Oxford.”
Cooke had applied for a different council seat a year ago. “My family moved to Oxford in 2015,” she wrote in her cover letter at that time, “because we were looking for a Main Street town, a walkable community, with excellent schools, where people feel safe, with good public services and where people engage with the community through social events and local businesses. . . One way for me to help ensure Oxford continues to move forward and serve its residents is to be a direct part of service to the community. That is why I am applying for the vacant position on the Village Council.”
While all this was happening, she was on maternity leave last month, having a baby. “It’s an exciting time for our family,” she said.