City Government Veteran Fills Royal Oak City Commission Vacancy

Former mayor and city commissioner Patricia Paruch was sworn in Monday to fill the Royal Oak City Commission vacancy created with the October resignation of Peggy Goodwin, who stepped down for personal and professional reasons.

The vote to appoint Paruch to the unexpired term was unanimous, according to a story on the city’s website. She said she doesn’t plan to seek election to the position when it comes open in the November 2015 election.

During 14 years in office from 1979-1993, Paruch developed a reputation for fairness and as an advocate for neighborhoods. She was the city’s mayor from 1989-1993, and was a city commissioner from 1979-1989, including two years as mayor pro-tem. She also served on the Royal Oak Planning Commission throughout her tenure in office.

During her previous service she was described by her colleagues as “fair” and someone who “emphasized strong neighborhoods.”

“Pat has a long history of service to Royal Oak,” Mayor Jim Ellison said. “As a former elected official, she brings a lot of valuable experience to the commission. We know she will work hard for our citizens.”

An attorney, she is a shareholder in the Kemp Klein Law Firm in Troy, where she practices municipal and environmental law.

“The timing is right to make this one-year commitment,” said Paruch, who is edging toward retirement in her law career. “I understand how comfortable it can be for the other commissioners to have someone who has been at the table before. If I can be helpful, I am glad to do it.”

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Photo of Mayor Jim Ellison swearing in City Commissioner Patricia Paruch courtesy of the city of Royal Oak.