HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2014.12.12 - 21613Chairperson, I move the adoption of the foregoing Resolution.
Commissioner David Wrxidwif
District #19
Miscellaneous Resolution 1#14286
BY: Commissioners David Woodward, District #19
RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 5953 MODIFYING THE
SCHEDULED ELECTIVE TERM OF OFFICE OF THE OAKLAND COUNTY EXECUTIVE
TO: Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS House Bill 5953 has been introduced by Representative Klint Kesto with the sole purpose of
ending the long standing practice of electing the Oakland County Executive in traditionally high turnout
general elections concurrent with the presidential election and re-scheduling the Executive's election
cycle to lower turnout mid-term elections; and
WHEREAS House Bill 5953 was narrowly written to impact the election of only one office in one county
of the state, creating a local act under Article IV, Section 29 of the Michigan Constitution; and
WHEREAS Oakland County voters approved the creation of the County Executive's office on
August 6, 1974 under a term of office to be concurrent with other countywide elected officials and
with the presidential election; and
WHEREAS House Bill 5953 fundamentally changes the foundation upon which the voters approved the
creation of the County Executive's office in 1974; and
WHEREAS the average rate of voter participation in the last three Presidential year elections is Oakland
County 72.5%; and
WHEREAS the average rate of voter participation in the last three Gubernatorial year elections in
Oakland County is 53.1%; and
WHEREAS the sponsors and supporters of House Bill 5953 have not made a case why the participation
of nearly 20% less voters in choosing their County Executive serves the public interest; and
WHEREAS House Bill 5953 is an attempt to change the rules to benefit one party and one individual;
and
WHEREAS House Bill 5953 would undermine the confidence of the public in their elected officials and
be a step backward for the cause of accountability in county government.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners opposes House
Bill 5953 or any other legislation that would change the term of office and date of election of the
Oakland County Executive.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners does not authorize the use of any county
resources to lobby elected officials or their staff in support of House Bill 5953 or similar measure.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the County of Oakland is directed to submit a copy of this
resolution to the Board's legislative lobbyists, the Office of the Governor, Senate Majority Leader,
Senate Minority Leader, Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader and the Oakland County
delegation to the Michigan Legislature.
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Resolution #14286 November 19, 2014
Moved by Woodward supported by Gershenson to suspend the rules and vote on Miscellaneous
Resolution #14286 — Board of Commissioners - Opposition to House Bill 5953 Modifying the Scheduled
Elective Term of Office of the Oakland County Executive.
Vote on motion to suspend the rules:
AYES: Jackson, McGillivray, Quarles, Woodward, Zack, Gershenson, Hatchett. (7)
NAYES: Long, Matis, Middleton, Runestad, Scott, Spisz, Taub, Weipert, Bosnic, Dwyer, Gingell,
Gosselin. (12)
A sufficient majority having not voted in favor, the motion to suspend the rules and vote on Miscellaneous
Resolution #14286 — Board of Commissioners - Opposition to House Bill 5953 Modifying the Scheduled
Elective Term of Office of the Oakland County Executive failed.
Discussion followed.
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the General Government Committee. There were no
objections.
Resolution #14286 December 11,2014
Moved by Woodward supported by Gershenson to discharge the resolution from the General Government
Committee.
Discussion followed.
Chairperson Michael Gingell called a brief recess.
Chairperson Michael Gingell reconvened the Board.
AYES: Woodward, Zack, Gershenson, Hatchett, Jackson, McGillivray. (6)
NAYS: Middleton, Runestad, Scott, Spisz, Taub, Bosnic, Crawford, Dwyer, Gingell, Gosselin,
Hoffman, Long, Matis. (13)
A sufficient majority having not voted in favor, the motion to discharge failed.