Terri Lynn Land, Michigan Secretary of State, was the honored guest and featured speaker at the group's 2003 fundraiser buffet dinner, according to Lita McKeehan, chairman of the Eastside Republican Club-Political Action Committee.

Terri Lynn Land, Michigan Secretary of State. >>Land coverage

Proceeds from the event will be used by the PAC to support local candidates running in elections next year. Referring to the large turnout for the event, McKeehan said, “The June 5 event was a huge success.” In addition to dozens of grass roots workers, numerous mayors, judges, council members and other civic leaders attended.

Farms resident and PAC member Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., master of ceremonies for the evening, introduced Land following the reception and dinner. He observed that Land drew 70,000 more votes in her 2002 winning race for Secretary of State than did the winner of the race for Michigan Governor. As a token of appreciation for her support, McCleary presented Land with a monogramed desk clock on behalf of the PAC.

Land has embarked on an aggressive, one-year tour of the State to meet and talk with as many citizens and Secretary of State branch employees as possible. In keeping with that goal she recently met with employees and the public at Fenton, Flint and Mt. Morris branch offices.

"Providing excellent customer service is one of my top priorities," Land said. "The best way to do that is to hear firsthand what employees and customers are saying. They are the best sources of information about what works well and which areas need further improvement in our branch offices.”

"All of our offices have dedicated and talented staff, as well as a unique set of circumstances. The department's primary challenge is to maintain core services while the state manages through difficult financial times. I am committed to running a lean department without sacrificing the prompt, courteous service that taxpayers deserve."

During her branch visits, Land addresses plans to improve customer service in part through advancements in technology and extended branch office hours.

Speaking of technology, she said, "Technology is rapidly transforming the way in which citizens can do business in Michigan…. Moving more of the Department of State's services online is very convenient for our customers and cost-effective for the agency. I am also exploring the possibility of extending branch office hours through the use of employee flex time. Land recently announced a way to speed up visits to a branch office, "Service with a Swipe!" All branch offices have been upgraded with the technology necessary to utilize the magnetic strips on back of driver's licenses.

Another of her initiatives is educating people about various online transactions they can conduct from the comfort of their homes. She reminds all customers, you can "Skip the Trip!" to a branch office. "Save Time, Renew Online!" by visiting the Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/sos. As evidence her efforts are yielding results, the Detroit Free Press recently recognized her as one of the state's top five technology leaders.

In a response to a question from the audience concerning aliens, Land explained that a Michigan Driver's License is issued merely as verification of the holder's qualification to drive, and is not intended as indication of citizenship.