Flags lowered Honor Former Representative Tim Sneller 

Flags lowered Honor Former Representative Tim Sneller 

by | Aug 14, 2024 | Regional News

Office of the Governor (no photo)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 14, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former State Representative Tim Sneller

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, August 15 to honor and remember former state Representative Tim Sneller who recently passed away.

 

“Representative Tim Sneller served his constituents honorably, and I was proud to call him a friend and colleague,” said Governor Whitmer. “As a staffer and elected official, Tim was a fixture in the legislature. He was a strong advocate for working families and a willing collaborator with anyone who wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who served and worked alongside him.”

 

Before serving in the Michigan House of Representatives, former Rep. Sneller worked at the Flint Truck and Bus Assembly and was active in his UAW local. He began his work in the legislature as a staffer, working for various state representatives and senators in the Genesee County area. He spent nearly 20 years on the staff of John Cherry, Jr. when Cherry was a legislator and then lieutenant governor. He also worked for Cherry’s son, now Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint).

 

Former state Rep. Sneller became an elected official in 2017, representing the 50th District. Throughout his time in the legislature, he worked to address kitchen-table issues that mattered to his constituents and was a leader and champion for the LGBTQ+ community in Michigan. A fixture of the legislature, he was described to be one of the most warm and welcoming people as both a staffer and a legislator. Throughout his life and career, Rep. Sneller extended this kindness to Democrats and Republicans alike, constantly working to build bridges across the political divide.

 

Tim is survived by his sister, five nephews, niece, and many other loving family members and good friends.

 

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former state Representative Tim Sneller by lowering flags to half-staff within the State Capitol Complex. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

 

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

Flags should be returned to full staff within the State Capitol Complex on Friday, August 16, 2024.
89 years of Social Security

89 years of Social Security

by | Aug 14, 2024 | Regional News

Image
Hi there,

Today marks 89 years since President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law and created a program that millions of Americans rely on for a secure retirement – one of the most significant achievements in American legislative history.

It’s critical that Congress defends this essential program – paid into by Americans each time they get a paycheck – and ensures that it isn’t cut or privatized. It’s important that lawmakers don’t play games with Americans’ retirement.

And a reminder: if you or your loved one is having trouble with Social Security my team has dedicated caseworkers with years of experience that can help. Just visit my website at slotkin.house.gov or call (517) 993-0510.

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin
State takes action against OC motorcycle dealership

State takes action against OC motorcycle dealership

by | Aug 13, 2024 | Regional News

Secretary Benson banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2024

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

[email protected]

 

Department of State takes action against Oakland County motorcycle dealership

Owner of Ducati of Detroit agrees to relinquish dealer license for fraud, public safety violations

LANSING, Mich. – On May 29, the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) suspended the license of CK Investments LLC, doing business as Ducati of Detroit, for imminent harm to the public. The motorcycle dealership is owned by Charles Knoll and located at 33828 Woodward Ave. in Birmingham.

Ducati was summarily suspended for several alleged violations of the Michigan Vehicle Code. The violations were discovered during an investigation by MDOS regulatory staff of underreported sales tax due to altered vehicle purchase prices. The investigation was initiated following a complaint from a former Ducati of Detroit employee.  

The violations included:  

  • Committing fraudulent acts in connection with selling or otherwise dealing in vehicles where Ducati:
    • Collected sales tax on the full purchase price of vehicles from customers, altered the purchase price and sales tax collected, and remitted tax based on the reduced price to MDOS
    • Knowingly forged purchasers’ signatures on Application for Michigan Title and Registration forms provided to MDOS
    • Altered the delivery date on Application for Michigan Title and Registration forms to avoid paying late fees
  • Failing to provide records for inspection upon request during a complaint investigation at the established place of business during the business hours on file with MDOS
  • Issuing temporary registration on a different date than when the vehicle was delivered
  • Failing to correctly document the dates of purchase and/or Manufacturer Certificate of Origin invoice numbers for inventory required to be documented in the police book
  • Failing to make application for title and registration in purchasers’ names within 21 days of vehicle delivery

 

These violations created an ongoing imminent threat to the health, safety or welfare of the public, requiring emergency action.

 

The dealership’s issues began in May 2017, when MDOS regulatory staff conducted a general compliance inspection. At that time, MDOS wrote Ducati violations for not submitting proper sales tax with the Application for Michigan Title and Registration forms and for fraudulent acts in connection with selling or otherwise dealing in vehicles.

 

MDOS issued a warning letter to Ducati citing these violations in March 2018. Subsequently, MDOS and Ducati representatives had a preliminary conference on June 21, 2023, to address violations related to an inspection on March 7, 2023. The violations included failure to properly complete and maintain records, failure to have records available, and failure to make application for title and registration in the purchaser’s name within 21 days of delivery. MDOS provided Ducati with education and issued a warning letter regarding these violations.

 

Following the implementation of summary suspension, the licensee voluntarily agreed to a revocation of the dealer license in lieu of an administrative hearing. The revocation was implemented on Aug. 7, 2024. As part of the revocation agreement, Ducati admitted to violating the Michigan Vehicle Code and agreed to pay a financial penalty of $53,310.02 to cover monetary costs associated with the investigation and administrative costs the department incurred.

 
Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench 

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench 

by | Aug 1, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 1, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench

 

LANSING, Mich. —Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Randy Wallace to the Michigan Court of Appeals, Second District and Kirsten Holz to the 63rd District Court in Kent County, effective August 12, 2024.

 

“Today, I am proud to appoint two skilled legal professionals to the bench,” said Governor Whitmer. “Randy and Kirsten will each bring a wide variety of experience to their new positions on the Court of Appeals and the District Court, respectively. I am confident that they will both uphold the rule of law and serve their fellow Michiganders with distinction.”

 

Court of Appeals – Second District 

 

Randy Wallace currently works as an attorney and shareholder at Olsman, MacKenzie, Peacock & Wallace, P.C. in Berkley, where he has worked since 1998. Wallace has served as an Executive Board Member of the Michigan Association for Justice since 2004 and is also a member of the American Association for Justice. He serves as a member of the Michigan Supreme Court’s Committee on Model Jury Instructions and is a member of the State Bar of Michigan Civil Procedure & Courts Committee, of which he previously served as chair. Wallace also serves as a Case Evaluator at the Oakland County Circuit Court ADR Office.

 

Randy Wallace received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan, and his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School, where he also worked as a student attorney at the Free Legal Aid Clinic.

 

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Whitmer for giving me the opportunity to serve the people of the great state of Michigan on the Court of Appeals,” said Randy Wallace. “I have spent years watching some of the finest jurists in our state decide cases in a manner that promotes equal access to justice for all, including now retired Michigan Supreme Court justices like Justice Bridget McCormack and Justice Marilyn Kelly, and now retired judges like Judge Elizabeth Gleicher and Judge Douglas Shapiro, just to name a few. One of my first jury trials was presided over by Judge Deborah Servitto, who was then a judge on the Macomb County Circuit Court, and who treated all the participants with the utmost respect. I will do my very best to follow the examples set by those esteemed members of the bench and I will work hard as a humble servant of the people of the State of Michigan.”

 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Deborah Servitto. Judge Wallace’s term will commence on August 12, 2024, and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2025.

 

appointments

 

63rd District Court – Kent County

 

Kirsten Holz currently works as an assistant corporate counsel in support of the Indigent Defense Program for Kent County. Previously, she worked as an associate attorney at Levine & Levine in Kalamazoo. Holz also served as both an assistant public defender and as district court chief attorney at the Kent County Office of the Defender. Additionally, she served as an assistant public defender in the Office of the Public Defender at the 9th Judicial Circuit in Orlando, Florida.

 

Kirsten Holz is a Board Member of the Progressive Women’s Alliance, the Legal Assistance Center, and the East Grand Rapids Community Foundation. She is also a member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association, the Women Lawyer’s Association of Michigan, the Michigan Association for Justice, and the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan. Holz has volunteered legal services at both the Crossroads Bible Church Unhoused Outreach Center and Clean Slate expungement clinics in Kent County.

 

Kirsten Holz received a Bachelor of Arts in Government and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language from Cornell University, and her Juris Doctorate from the Washington College of Law at American University.

 

“I am immensely honored to accept this opportunity to serve the people of Kent County,” said Kirsten Holz. “Building upon the distinguished service of Judge Smolenski, I pledge to administer justice with respect, compassion, and uncompromising integrity, ensuring equitable treatment for all. Thank you, Governor Whitmer, for this extraordinary privilege.”

 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Sara Smolenski, who has resigned. Judge Holz’s term will commence on August 12, 2024, and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.

 

appointments

 
Action to Increase Fuel Supplies, Mitigate Price at Gas Stations

Action to Increase Fuel Supplies, Mitigate Price at Gas Stations

by | Aug 1, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 31, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Takes Proactive Action to Increase Fuel Supplies, Mitigate Price Fluctuations at Gas Stations Across Michigan

Letter requests the federal government issue an emergency fuel waiver ahead of severe weather and potential supply disruptions.

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer took a proactive step to protect Michigan residents from potential fuel and gas supply disruptions, following the recent outage at an oil refinery in Illinois. As a precautionary measure, the governor sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), requesting an emergency fuel waiver that will increase the supply of fuel and mitigate price fluctuations amidst the refinery outage, the ongoing hurricane season, and as Michiganders continue to enjoy summer travel plans.

 

“Today, I’m taking action to help protect Michiganders from fuel supply disruptions,” said Governor Whitmer. “With hurricane season in full swing and a refinery outage in Illinois, we must ensure we’re taking all the steps necessary to proactively protect Michiganders’ access to fuel for their cars, homes, and businesses without delay. That’s why I am dedicated to working with the EPA to keep fuel available and affordable for Michiganders by temporarily removing barriers to ensure an adequate and stable fuel supply. Together, let’s get it done.”

 

Excerpt From Governor Whitmer’s Letter to the EPA

Michigan requests that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issue a waiver regarding reformulated gasoline regulations in Michigan. With a refinery in the region being offline due to unforeseen circumstances . . . precautionary measures must be taken to contain fuel supply disruptions and potential cost increases across the region.

 

My administration has been in close communication with officials in Illinois and other Midwest states since the ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery lost power and went offline on July 15 due to severe weather.

…

 

I respectfully ask that you consider this request, as it has the potential to prevent fuel supply disruptions and reduce or eliminate the potential impact on residents in Michigan and across the Midwest.

 

Background on Potential Supply Disruptions

The ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery, based in Illinois, unexpectedly shut down this summer due to severe weather, with the outage expected to last into August. The 2024 hurricane season is anticipated to be severe, potentially putting additional fuel transport from the Gulf region at risk.

 
AG Seeks to Reduce DTE Electric’s 10% Rate Hike to Less than 3%

AG Seeks to Reduce DTE Electric’s 10% Rate Hike to Less than 3%

by | Jul 30, 2024 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 30, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Seeks to Reduce DTE Electric’s 10% Rate Hike to Less than 3% 

LANSING – Continuing her work to limit energy costs for residents, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed testimony last Friday in DTE Electric’s (DTE) rate hike case. DTE filed its request with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in March seeking an annual increase in revenues of $456.4 million. This request, which comes less than four months after the MPSC granted the Company a $368 million annual rate increase, would result in a 10% hike for residential customers. Nessel argued DTE’s requested increase is excessive and unnecessary.

In her testimony, the Attorney General argued that DTE should receive no more than a $139.5 million annual increase, limiting any residential ratepayer increase to around 2.5%.  Nessel also recommends re-prioritizing customer dollars toward vegetation management and tree trimming, activities proven to be more effective at reducing outages compared to more expensive, capital-intensive options preferred by DTE.

“A deep dive into DTE’s latest electric rate case reveals a disturbing pattern of exaggerated projections and unsubstantiated projects that clearly prioritize corporate interests over customer benefits,” Nessel said.  “DTE is once again seeking MPSC approval to bill its customers for corporate jet travel by executives on top of these inflated costs. Such exorbitant expenditures not only inflate customers’ bills but also undermine DTE’s corporate pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  These unnecessary costs directly contribute to rising utility bills.”

Since taking office, the Attorney General has saved Michigan consumers more than $3 billion by intervening in utility cases before the MPSC.  Friday’s testimony reaffirms her commitment to affordable energy for consumers.

DTE sells electricity to approximately 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and natural gas to 1.3 million customers across the state.