Michigan State Police investigating Augusta Township officials
Michigan State Police detectives are investigating several current and former Augusta Township officials for an alleged Open Meetings Act violation.
The investigation was brought to the State Police by several unidentified residents after AnnArbor.com published an article about a deal several current and former township officials made with a local developer, Dale LaClair, during the construction of the Lincoln Pines subdivision.
In the deal, former supervisor and current Trustee Kathy Jackson, former city attorney and current Washtenaw County Commissioner Ken Schwartz and LaClair worked out an arrangement where LaClair didn’t have to pay the township more than $400,000 in water and sewer connection fees. In exchange, LaClair made $30,000 donation to the Augusta Township Fire Department.
Several township trustees said they weren't made aware of the deal, which Jackson laid out in taped recordings and in e-mail exchanges with LaClair.
State Police officials confirmed they are investigating, but declined to comment further and said it would likely be turned over to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office within two weeks. The prosecuting attorney’s decision on whether to pursue the case will likely take weeks to months, according to law enforcement officials.
Open Meetings Act violations are a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 for a first time offense.
Comments
retiredteacher
Sun, Mar 7, 2010 : 10:28 a.m.
This makes one wonder why the current supervisor appointed MS Jackson to the township board. When he was campaigning he was very outspoken about the problems she had caused. so then he puts her back in office. where there is smoke there is fire. We have heard that Laclair came to a board meeting & was very irate. and Jackson backed him then again. Is it time for massive recall? We need people in office who want to live in the country and be good neighbors.
Tine
Sat, Mar 6, 2010 : 11:57 a.m.
That's why we should look out for fresh new faces to enter the township seats... We need new ideas, new voices and fresh new faces to be running Augusta Township...This area is beautiful....it was silly for them to even put the scurb dwelling homes in this area... We need to perserve this area, keep the city dwelling to the city. Let's promote our local farmers and business. And keep the money legit. let's keep it how it should be. What a scab!!!!!!
uawisok
Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 11:58 a.m.
typical local yokals running things like they "have been doing it this way for years"
Tim
Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 11:37 a.m.
Wow! Anyone who has ever attended a zoning or township meeting when new developer were submitting plans or having their plans voted on would know this. The development of the Sell's farm (which fizzled because of the housing market) was a classic example in which Jackson got personally involved starting at the zoning phase. I felt there was quid pro quo going on back then...
dading dont delete me bro
Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 11:05 a.m.
there will be more than open meetings act violations uncovered...i suspect. kwamigate..i mean augustagate?
a2huron
Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 10:51 a.m.
Aren't most of these folks up for reelection this year? If so, this notoriety pretty much precludes that from happening.
dading dont delete me bro
Fri, Mar 5, 2010 : 10:23 a.m.
ouch...stay tuned folks! this is gonna get interesting...