Brooks Patterson's power grab on hold for now

[UrbScotty]

Ingham Circuit Court Judge William Collette overturned a controversial state law today, that would have allowed Oakland County to reduce its number of county commissioners from 25-21 and let Republicans redraw the district lines.

Oakland County Democrats filed a lawsuit against the bill claiming it was unconstitutional. While Republicans were expected to appeal Colletee's ruling, Democrats were thrilled with the ruling.

"We are glad that Judge Collette saw the Republican powergrab bill for what it was - an outrageous attempt by Reopublicans to change the law just for Oakland County for Republican political gain," said Frank Houston, chairman of the Oakland County Democratic Party.

The bill, signed in December by Gov. Rick Snyder, was passed after a county reapportionment commission redraw the maps and it was approved by the Court of Appeals. The commission was controlled 3-2 by Democrats and Republicans challenged the map. When the Court of Appeals upheld it, state lawmakers quickly passed the law which reduces the number of commissioners and lets the county commission - which is controlled 15-10 by Republicans, to redraw the maps. Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who was instrumental in getting the bill passed, said he expected the circuit court ruling.

http://www.freep.com/article/20120215/NEWS03/120215042/Judge-ruling-to-impact-Oakland-County-redistricting-appeal-may-be-next?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

[MichiganVote]

1. This was the same guy who did not want the state to lower flags for servicemen/todeny reality of war

[louis-t]

2. Time for Brooks, the 'career politician', to go.

He's been around WAAAAY too long.

[marmar]

3. Uggh. How long will this man stay in office?

nt