Council and residents honor Ellen Hodorick as she retires after 12 years on Troy City Council

Troy City Council and members of the public used the Nov. 10 meeting to offer extended tributes to Council member Ellen Hodorick, who is retiring after 12 years of public service.

Several residents opened the remarks. Anne Erickson Gault, an Oakland County commissioner and former council member, told Hodorick: "You've made a lasting positive impact on this city both as your time on council and in the time that you served brilliantly as an activist before you were on council." Other residents — Kelly Jones, Sharon McDonnell and Edna Abraham — offered personal thanks for years of volunteer work and council leadership.

Council members then spoke at length. Council member Gunn praised Hodorick’s mentorship and steady voice; Council member Chamberlain and others credited Hodorick with a knack for crafting compromise language and for bringing a nonpartisan approach to local governance. Council member Hodorick, reflecting on her service, thanked staff, family and fellow residents and said the role had been "a privilege." She noted the challenges of restoring civic cohesion following earlier turmoil and urged continued constructive engagement.

Mayor Baker and other colleagues highlighted Hodorick’s work on libraries, public safety and civic committees and thanked her family for their support. Hodorick said she planned to rejoin community life as a resident and continue contributing outside the council chamber.

The meeting concluded with council members thanking Hodorick for her long service and wishing her well in retirement.