OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ) — Today we could find out who will replace Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE MEETING LIVE
This process has been extremely controversial on both sides of the aisle.
In the two weeks since the board has known a replacement was needed, the process has been packed with drama.
7 Action News learned that former Oakland County Board Commissioner Chair David Woodward is withdrawing his application after he stepped down to potentially take the job.
His former colleagues interviewed five candidates Wednesday.
Republican Tom Middleton left in protest before interviews began because he was the lone Republican on the panel with two Democrats.
"It was a surprise to us this morning when Mr. Middleton came in and said he was no longer going to participate in the process. This is a bi-partisan process. We are trying very hard to be open," said a representative.
A few weeks ago, 7 Action News uncovered text messages from Shelley Taub — telling her colleagues to delete emails about L. Brooks Patterson.
That came just a few days after Patterson's passing.
There are also calls to keep Jerry Poisson who was sworn in as interim county executive.
Poisson says he has served the public for 38 years and had Patterson's trust. He said if appointed, he would not run again after finishing the term.
The board has 30 days to replace someone from the date of L. Brooks Patterson’s death. We are already almost two weeks past that date.
BREAKING: Oakland County Board of Commissioners prepare to hold meeting. Letter we obtained indicates NONE of the people interviewed for Exec. are being recommended for the JOB. PACKED room of people for public comment. @wxyzdetroit #12PM pic.twitter.com/9gWYczO3bj
— Simon Shaykhet WXYZ (@simonshaykhet) August 16, 2019
BREAKING: Meeting begins with OBJECTION to roll call, because David Woodward who previously resigned, is again acting as Chairman, claiming his resignation NEVER took effect. @wxyzdetroit #12PM pic.twitter.com/oHnXU7Selb
— Simon Shaykhet WXYZ (@simonshaykhet) August 16, 2019
If they do not find someone within that time – a special election will need to be called – something both Democrats and Republicans do not want because that will carry an expensive price tag.
Watch the Oakland County Board of Commissioners meeting below:
