(WXYZ) — There are growing calls for transparency in Oakland County government, since the death of Executive L. Brooks Patterson. This also comes after we exposed a county commissioner’s text instructing others to delete crucial emails, tied to a public records request.
Today, we’re learning more about the cost of a possible special election to choose a county executive and who’s arguing on both sides of this issue.
“We should be able to do what the charter requires, and that’s to choose an executive to fill the sea,t” says Commissioner Gwen Markham.
But, others from both parties are questioning how more than 20 candidates who applied for the job can be interviewed and reviewed on Wednesday and a name chose on Friday.
Otherwise a special election would be required at a cost of $712,000. The cost divided among 961,000 registered voters is roughly $.74 each.
County Treasurer and 2020 candidate for executive Andy Meisner agrees, the process must be left to the people.
“This board is morally bankrupt and can’t be trusted to choose someone on their own,” says Meisner.
He also wants Commissioner Shelley Taub who sent the text to step down, or at least recuse herself.
The head of the Republican Party in Oakland County, Rocky Raczkowski also feels a special election is best.
“We should do what the law allows here,” he says.
In the meantime, we’ll be there to bring you the latest on candidate interviews tomorrow and possible vote on Friday.
