Snyder Endorses Romney- Santorum Still Leads in Polls

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder lent his name in endorsement of the Presidential campaign of former Massachusetts Governor and native Michigander Mitt Romney. The Governor made it official with an op-ed in The Detroit News and through a Thursday appearance with Romney in metro-Detroit.

Governor Romney made his way across Michigan Wednesday, including a rally in Grand Rapids, an interview on WJR, and meetings with the Farmington and Livonia Chambers of Commerce. Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, meanwhile, spoke to the Detroit Economic Club and appeared at the Oakland County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day dinner.

Governor Romney and his superPAC have spent a reported $3.2 million on ad buys in Michigan, compared to the $1.1 million spent by Mr. Santorum and his superPAC. With less than two weeks until Michigan’s February 28^th GOP primary, Mr. Santorum is leading Michigan in all polling by 9-10 points over Mr. Romney.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, February 17, 2012 9:56 AM
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Judge Rules on Financial Review Teams

Ingham County Circuit Court Judge William Collette ruled last week that the financial review teams operating under Public Act 4 of 2011 (the “Emergency Manager Act”) and looking into the finances of Highland Park Schools and the City of Detroit were doing so in violation of the Open Meetings Act. This week, Judge Collette ruled that, because of the violation of the Open Meetings Act, the work done by both review teams is invalidated.

While the State discusses potential appeal with attorneys, the Detroit review team is continuing their work in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, according to the Department of Treasury. The situation in Highland Park; however, is more complicated as an emergency manager has already been named.

Plaintiffs in the case claim that Judge Collette’s ruling invalidates the appointment of emergency manager Jack Martin as this was recommended by the review team, which was operating in violation of the law. The State, however, disagrees and foresees Mr. Martin continuing to operate in his capacity as emergency manager.

posted by PAA Online , 9:56 AM
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New Oakland County Commission Maps Thrown-Out

A new state law passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Snyder in 2011 that shifted the power of redrawing county commission district boundaries in Oakland County was ruled unconstitutional by Ingham County Circuit Court Judge William Collette this week.

Prior to the law’s passage, county commission lines were drawn by an apportionment committee composed of the County Clerk, County Treasurer, County Prosecutor and the two chairs of the county’s political parties. For the first time in 2011, this committee had a Democratic majority and re-drew the lines, which were held up in court.

Public Act 280 of 2011 designated the County Board of Commissioners as the apportionment committee, giving the authority back to Republicans.

In Wednesday’s ruling, Judge Collette held that PA 280 violates the State’s Constitution, specifically the provisions prohibiting the state enacting local laws without a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The State is expected to appeal.

posted by PAA Online , 9:55 AM
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Calls Increasing for Ficano's Resignation

In the wake of new indictments by the FBI against former Wayne County Chief Information Officer Tahir Kazmi, office holders are beginning to call for the resignation of Wayne County Executive Bob Ficano to eliminate distractions from governance. Federal agents have charged Kazmi with theft, extortion, and obstruction of justice and many observers expect more to come against other county officials.

Two members of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, Republican Laura Cox and Democrat Bernard Parker, reportedly called for Ficano’s resignation Thursday, while both State Representative Phil Cavanaugh (D-Redford Township) and State Senator Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit) reportedly made comments alluding to the same.

Federal agents have been investigating for potential wrongdoing in Wayne County since former economic development officer Turkia Mullin was paid a $200,000 severance by the county when leaving for a position with the airport authority.

posted by PAA Online , 9:54 AM
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Prison Privatization Measures Moving Along

Two pieces of legislation aimed at re-opening the Baldwin correctional facility under private ownership passed 2^nd reading in the House of Representatives Thursday. House Bill 5174 is sponsored by Representative Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo) and House Bill 5177 is sponsored by Representative Joe Haveman (R-Holland). The facility would be permitted to re-open privately if it realizes a 10-percent savings.

State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) was successful in winning an amendment to HB 5174 that creates a citizen advisory council to address any local concerns or complaints. House Appropriations Corrections Subcommittee Minority Vice Chair Representative Steve Lindberg (D-Marquette) was also successful in passing an amendment to HB 5174; his amendment proposes to require the facility to report to the Michigan Department of Corrections, the county board of commissioners, and the legislative body of any local unit of government where the facility is located.

The North Lake Facility for Youth in Baldwin was operated by the Wackenhut Corrections Corporation until 2005 and is now, under the name GEO Group, interested in again operating the facility.

posted by PAA Online , 9:54 AM
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Paadvisory Briefs

UAW Endorses Peters

U.S. Representative Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield) received the endorsement of the United Auto Workers (UAW) in a huge victory for his campaign for the newly drawn 14^th Congressional District. Mr. Peters is in a competitive Democratic primary with U.S. Representative Hansen Clarke and Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence.

Governor Receives Legislation for Organ Donor License Plate

The State Senate passed two pieces of legislation Wednesday, paving the way for a new license plate that raises funds for Michigan’s organ donor registry: Senate Bill 534, sponsored by Senator John Gleason (D-Flushing) and House Bill 4978, sponsored by Representative Kevin Daley (R-Lum). The Senate also named the plate after Senator Gleason. The fund to collect the money, set up by HB 4978, is named for Rep. Daley’s late son, Thomas.

Officials to Take “Polar Plunge”

Looking for something to do on February 23^rd? Lt. Governor Brian Calley and an estimated 38 members of the Michigan Legislature will be taking the “polar plunge” in an above-ground pool on the Capitol lawn. All have committed to raise $500 for Michigan Special Olympics.

Governor, AG Oppose Lansing Casino

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Attorney General Bill Schuette sent a letter to Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Chair Joseph Eitrem describing their opposition to the proposal for a tribal casino in Lansing. The tribe has announced a proposal in coordination with Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero that requires a land swap. The Governor and the AG described what they see as a lack of legal standing for the proposal and cautioned the Tribe to expect resistance from the state if the proposal is pursued.

posted by PAA Online , 9:53 AM
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