O’Connell Denied Incumbent Bid
Court
of Appeals Judge Peter O’Connell’s petition to run as an incumbent in the 4th
District judicial seat has been denied by Court of Claims Judge Cynthia
Stephens. Mr. O’Connell’s term doesn’t expire until 2018, however he will
exceed the age limit of 70 years old and will not be able to run again.
Instead, Mr. O’Connell sought to run as an incumbent in the 4th
District, however Judge Stephens held the law is clear that Justice O’Connell
is unable to run as an incumbent for a seat he does not currently hold. Judge
O’Connell is appealing this decision.
Senate Advice and Consent Hearing for
Grether
The
Senate Natural Resources Committee announced they will hold an advice and
consent hearing for the newly appointed Department of Environmental Quality
Director Heidi Grether. Senator Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba), chair of the
committee, commented that the September meeting will be for the remainder of
the committee and the general public to get to know her.
Sygo Retires
Department
of Environmental Quality Chief Deputy Jim Sygo will retire effective August 31.
Mr. Sygo is a classified employee in the civil service, and has worked in
public service for 34 years. Bob Wagner, a current program deputy director
within the department, will replace him. Mr. Wagner has served as the
Remediation and Redevelopment Division chief.
Granholm Named to Clinton Transition
Team
Hillary
Clinton named Former Governor Jennifer Granholm to the transition team on
Tuesday. Ms. Granholm has been an enthusiastic supported of Ms. Clinton, and
even gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention last month. The
transition team is appointed to help prepare the transition should Ms. Clinton
win the general election for presidency. Ms. Granholm has been named a
co-chair, but her specific role on the transition team has not been released.