Monday Profile Dan Dwyer

Dan Dwyer is the Washtenaw County Trial Court Administrator; he and his staff oversee and manage all the non-judicial functions of the Court. These activities include caseflow and jury management; human resources; budgeting and finance; purchasing; space management; community and media relations; liaison with other governmental entities at the state and local level; and technology development, implementation and use. Dwyer works closely with the judges in defining the Court's goals and objectives, developing short and long-term strategic plans, and designing management strategies to meet the needs of the public and the Court. Dwyer also serves as the mayor of Plymouth, elected in November 2015, his fourth consecutive two-year term as mayor, his fifth mayoral term overall. He grew up in Livonia, where he graduated from Livonia Bentley High School. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a master's degree in social work. Dwyer and his wife, Shon, and children, Emma and Dylan, live in the city of Plymouth. By Jo Mathis Legal News What would surprise people about your job with the county? As Trial Court Administrator, I have the unique opportunity to get involved with every division of the court. The diversity of what those divisions do is quite striking. What would surprise people about your job as mayor of Plymouth? Well, given the tone of government in America these days, I think it would surprise people to know that the Plymouth City Commission is comprised of seven individuals with quite varying views on a whole host of topics and yet, we are all friends and we truly respect and appreciate each other's views. We have a very unique team approach to government in Plymouth. What is your most treasured material possession? I have been writing an individual journal for both of my kids since they were born. There are over 60 of the journals now and they are most certainly my most treasured material possessions. Favorite local hangouts: Comparis on the Park, The Sardine Room, the Post Bistro, Cellar 849 and Ironwood Grill all in the beautiful downtown Plymouth. What do you wish someone would invent? A cure for cancer. Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party? My brothers and their family, Dom and Alice Ahearn, and a group of my high school buddies that I still hang out with. (It's going to be a big dinner party.) If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be? The Ambassador to Ireland. Why is that? I could represent the USA and Ireland and that would be cool. What's the most awe-inspiring place you've ever been? Grand Teton National Park in the Wyoming mountains. How did you earn your first dollar? I worked at a small greenhouse in Livonia. Who inspires you, and why? My wife and kids. They make everything worthwhile. What do you do to relax? I love gardening and find it very relaxing. It's even better with a good glass of wine. What is one thing you would like to learn to do? Play the piano or guitar. What is the best advice you ever received? "Work hard and tell the truth." Favorite place to spend money: Downtown Plymouth. Published: Mon, Jul 04, 2016