Former House Speaker Hertel Passed Away

Former House Speaker Curtis Hertel Sr. passed away last Sunday of natural causes. He was 63.

Mr. Hertel was elected to the House in 1980 representing an east side district of Detroit. During his time in office, then-House Speaker Lewis Dodak lost his re-election bid and left the House at a historic tie with 55 Democrats and 55 Republicans. Quickly, Representative Hertel Sr. procured the Democratic candidacy for House Speaker and worked with Paul Hillegonds, the Republican candidate for Speaker, to develop a plan to share power as co-speakers for the 1993-94 legislative term. The ensuing two-year session was the most productive in modern history.

During his time in office, Mr. Hertel was integral in developing much legislation, most notably Proposal A of 1994 to reform school finance. Former chief of staff Dan Loepp believed this proposal would not have worked if it weren’t for the shared power between Mr. Hertel and Mr. Hillegonds.

Former Representative Hertel has served as minority leader, co-speaker, and speaker of the House. He also served as the Democratic foil to Governor John Engler and the Republican majority in the Senate. Following his departure from the House in 1998, Mr. Hertel held positions at the Department of Labor and Economic Growth and the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority. Additionally, Speaker Hertel worked three years at Public Affairs Associates after leaving office, before being called back to public service. He was a valued team member and will be missed by everyone at Public Affairs Associates.

Curtis leaves behind his loving wife Vickie, son’s Senator Curtis Hertel Jr., Matthew, Kevin and daughter Lisa. Curtis had five grandchildren.

Services were held Thursday in Grosse Pointe Woods. Mr. Curtis Hertel Sr. will be missed by many.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, April 1, 2016 12:17 PM
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Election News

Judicial

Dearborn Heights District Judge Mark Plawecki has announced his run for the Michigan Supreme Court this year. Mr. Plawecki is seeking the same seat as Justice Joan Larsen, who is looking to win for the first time following her appointment. Mr. Plawecki is running for the partial term Ms. Larson filled following former Justice Mary Beth Kelly’s resignation rather than the full term seat Justice David Viviano is seeking. Mark Plawecki, husband of Representative Julie Plawecki (D-Dearborn Heights), is likely looking for a nomination from the Michigan Democratic Party. He has served 21 years on the Dearborn Heights district court, and believes his constitutionalist approach is what sets him apart.

House

Kim LaSata filed to run for the 79^th House District. A former House member, Ms. LaSata is currently a teacher and wife to Berrien Circuit judge Charlie LaSata. Ms. LaSata is the third Republican to file for the seat, which is currently held by Representative Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville) who is term limited and cannot seek reelection.

Senate

Former Representative Fred Durhal Jr. plans on running for Senator Virgil Smith’s seat pending his resignation (see below) and Governor Snyder’s call for a special election. Once the Governor announces, he will make his run official. Since his term ended, Mr. Durhal Jr. has been working with the nonprofit Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.

posted by PAA Online , 12:16 PM
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Smith Resigns

Senator Virgil Smith, Jr. (D-Detroit) submitted his resignation Thursday, effective April 12.

Mr. Smith’s resignation comes on the heels of his nearly yearlong legal battle involving an altercation with his ex-wife. Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Talon sentenced the Senator to a 10-month sentence in the Wayne County Jail on a felony conviction of property destruction.

Judge Talon did not believe it was in his jurisdiction to order the Senator to resign, however he did suggest Mr.Smith consider doing so. Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive) had said if Mr. Smith did not resign by the time Spring Break ended, the Senate would begin expulsion proceedings. Mr. Smith’s resignation is set for April 12, so as to receive a final paycheck on April 7^th. Amber McCann, spokesperson for the Majority Leader, commented the timing was not ideal, however a voluntary resignation is preferable to expulsion.

posted by PAA Online , 12:15 PM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Ananich Calls for the National Guard to Return to Flint

Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint) appeared on Michigan’s Public Television’s “Off the Record” and said the Governor waited too long to call the National Guard and should have had them stay longer. Mr. Ananich said the state should resume water distribution in Flint via the National Guard until the crisis is over. Snyder Communications Director Ari Adler responded back the state continues to distribute water and water-related supplies to those who ask.

Oakes Named Flint City Attorney

Flint Mayor Karen Weaver has named former Representative Stacy Erwin Oakes as the Flint City Attorney. Ms. Oakes previously served in the House from 2010 to 2014, losing a Senate bid in 2014. She was also a former assistant attorney general.

State Labor Participation Up

Michigan’s labor participation rate went up to 61.2 percent, the highest level in six years. Even with the improvement, Michigan stands at 39^th among states and still remains below the national average of 62.4 percent. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February was 4.8 percent.

posted by PAA Online , 12:15 PM
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