Lansing
December 4, 2025
Novi, MI, Sept. 18, 2025 – Former Senator Debbie Stabenow and former Governor Rick Snyder were honored last night with the prestigious Eugene A. Gargaro Public Service Award by Citizens Research Council of Michigan and over 300 guests, in recognition of their public service and commitment to civic engagement.
Public policy is intertwined with politics, and therefore with politicians. For the Research Council’s work to be more than just words on paper, we provide information to, and work with, elected officials, civil servants, community leaders, and concerned citizens. Through these efforts, we come across many individuals that bear an ethos similar to our mission: to put the well-being of the state above party talking points and political mantras.
Citizens Research Council of Michigan is a public affairs research organization noted for its very independent, non-partisan approach to public policy analysis. It has worked with elected officials of all persuasions, civil servants of all types, and policy advocates with many interests. Over more than a century of working to improve Michigan’s state and local governments, the Research Council has focused on the facts.
“We have so many people to thank for helping us pull off such a fantastic event last night,” said Eric Lupher, president of the Citizens Research Council. “We are especially grateful to DTE and DTE Foundation for sponsoring the keynote/panel conversations, as well as Stephen Henderson who moderated the scintillating panel conversation. We also would like to extend our deepest gratitude to PVS Chemicals and Richard and Jane Manoogian Foundation for their sponsorship. We could not do this without you.”
Previous recipients of the Gargaro Public Service Award include Paul Hillegonds; John Dingell, Jr.; Douglas Roberts, Sr.; Dennis Archer, Sr.; Kelly Rossman-McKinney; Dr. Ora Hirsch-Pescovitz; Dr. Kathleen Wilbur; and Mark A. Murray.
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Founded in 1916, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan works to improve government in Michigan. The organization provides factual, unbiased, independent information concerning significant issues of state and local government organization, policy, and finance. By delivering this information to policymakers and citizens, the Research Council aims to ensure sound and rational public policy formation in Michigan. For more information, visit www.crcmich.org.
