MIDLAND-Gov. John Engler has re-appointed Robert P. Hunter, director of labor policy for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Midland, as a member of the Michigan Civil Service Commission.  Hunter has served on the commission since January of 1996, when he was first appointed to finish out the term of Peter Secchia, chairman of the board of Universal Forest Products Inc. in Grand Rapids.  The term for which Hunter has been re-appointed will end Dec. 31, 2004.

"I'm delighted to accept the governor's appointment to continue to serve on this most important commission, affecting the lives of so many Michigan residents," Hunter said.  "I will continue to do my utmost to ensure that Michigan has the best state workforce in the nation."

Since becoming a member of the commission Hunter, a former member of the National Labor Relations Board under President Ronald Reagan, counts as the commission's major accomplishments:

• The enactment of rules that allow departments of the state government more easily to contract out services;

• The conversion of the state retirement plan from a defined benefit to a defined contribution plan; and

• The assurance of equity and fairness in the state employee workplace.

The Michigan Civil Service Commission consists of four members, appointed by the governor, to terms of eight years.  The commission has full authority under the Constitution of the State of Michigan to decide all aspects of employment terms for state workers.  Its decisions are final unless challenged in a state or federal court.