Oakland County Public Transportation Authority announces appointment

Tameka Ramsey has been named to the Oakland County Public Transportation Authority. Ramsey, a Pontiac resident, will hold her appointment for the remainder of the current term ending December 31, 2020.

“I appreciate the opportunity for everyday people to be able to be part of this process, without needing to run for office,” Ramsey said. “I appreciate that our county commissioners are listening to the public and are leading in a way that elected officials who serve the people should.”

Ramsey is a co-state director for Michigan Voice, a non-partisan organization that works toward permanent change through social, racial, and economic justice efforts centered around  increasing civic engagement and voter participation across the state. Michigan Voice is especially focused on addressing these important issues in underrepresented communities.

Ramsey earned a Master of Science in public administration from Oakland University and a Bachelor of Arts in social work from Wayne State University.

“Citizen involvement is essential when it comes to county government,” Commissioner Angela Powell (D-Pontiac) said. “Ms. Ramsey is not just enthusiastic when it comes to public transportation, but engaged in the community around her. Both of these attributes make her a welcome addition to the authority.”

Ramsey has lived in the Pontiac area for her entire life. She said she looks forward to exploring public transportation options for the county because she has seen the importance of mass transit in urban settings.

The Oakland County Public Transit Authority collects voter approved revenue and  purchases transit services from the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) for critical transportation services in 24 communities. It provides oversight of these county transit services, approves an annual contract with SMART and advocates for improved transit services for residents. The authority is made up of five members, who have been appointed by the Board Chairman and confirmed by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.

“We are committed to improving public transit across our county to connect workers to jobs and strengthen our local economy,” Chairman David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak) said. “Ms. Ramsey’s passion to improve her community and dedicated service to others is the exact leadership we need to advance public transit innovation in Oakland County.”