Where, oh where, is Mark Hackel? Low profile as SOTC approaches

With less than a month to go until Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel’s State of the County address, Hackel has been keeping a low profile.

Yes, you read that correctly. I realize that to say Hackel is laying low is a bit like saying the pope has been missing Sunday mass lately. But the limelight-loving executive is clearly less visible these days.

It’s becoming quite a mystery.

Perhaps Hackel is planning feverishly for an all-out State of the County extravaganza on Dec. 4 that exceeds the flash of his first address, which featured professionally produced videos played on a mammoth screen and Hackel pacing the stage as he talked through a wireless lapel microphone.

Yet, I’ve heard that he’s shown uncharacteristically little interest in the planning for the third annual address, which will again be held at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts.

Beyond the big visuals and the loud music, Hackel’s approach to State of the County is also unique away from the stage. It’s an invitation-only 6 p.m. event and it features hors d’oeuvres and refreshments afterward that are made in Macomb County.

It’s billed as the Taste of Macomb afterglow, and the crowd dresses much like they would for a night at a Broadway theater.

The show must go on. But I wonder if this production will be toned down even more so than last year’s second annual SOTC.

Btw: If you think your invitation got lost in the mail, send an email to events@macombgov.org.