VOTING DISTRICT LAW OVERTURNED
On February 15th, an Ingham County Circuit judge, William Collette, overturned legislation recently signed by Governor Snyder that shifted control of Oakland County voting districts from Democrats to Republicans. The legislation reduced the Oakland County Board of Commissioners from 25 members to 21 members and gave the reapportionment responsibility to the Commission members who are majority Republican. Prior to this new legislation, apportionment was the duty of the county's Apportionment Commission that had a 3 to 2 Democratic majority and drew new voting districts last year. Judge Collette ruled that the new legislation was unconstitutional.
In a statement from Oakland County Executive Brooks Patterson, he indicated the issue is expected to be appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court. He said "Ingham County Circuit Court has a long record of ruling in favor of Democrats, only to be overturned by higher courts."
Interestingly, on the same day, Judge Collette invalidated the decisions of financial review teams for Highland Park schools and the city of Detroit. He ruled the review teams' actions, including a recommended emergency manager for the Highland Park district, were invalid because the panels met in secret violating the Open Meetings Act.
Both emergency manager lawsuits were filed by Highland Park school board member, Robert Davis. His lawyer said the ruling means Highland Park Emergency Manager Jack Martin no longer has authority over the Highland Park district. Governor Snyder's office disagreed, and issued a statement saying the ruling has no impact on Martin's appointment. Attorney General Bill Schutte, said: "We are working in consultation with Treasury to review all the options in light of today's ruling."
Source: Detroit News, Thursday, February 16, 2012
|