Comment: Legislative package fixes
Grosse Pointe Shores muni court quirk

I am pleased to report that Grosse Pointe Shores residents will gain the right to vote for municipal judge as part of my three-bill package that unanimously passed the Michigan House of Representatives in early June. Currently, Shores residents are the only voters in Michigan ineligible to vote for judge of either a municipal or district court.

These bills cover four important elements for Grosse Pointe Shores' municipal court:

First, Shores residents can now enjoy the same political rights as all other Michigan residents in voting for the judge who presides over their municipal court.

Second, Shores residents who are otherwise eligible to serve as judge will have, for the first time, an opportunity to seek the office of municipal judge. It is of paramount importance that all Michigan residents enjoy this right.

Third, the Shores municipal government will have the right to partner with any other municipal courts of the Grosse Pointes. Currently, cases from Grosse Pointe Shores are heard by the judge who presides in Grosse Pointe Woods. Under this legislation, the Shores may continue to partner with Grosse Pointe Woods, or it may choose another community with which to partner.

Finally, the bills clarify the city's access to a municipal court – a technical matter resulting from Grosse Pointe Shores' change from a village to a municipality a little over a year ago.

This legislation is a good example of using sound public policy to promote regional cooperation in our community while maintaining each community's unique heritage.

All three bills passed the House of Representatives in identical 104-0 votes. It is refreshing to work on legislation in a bipartisan fashion that accomplishes positive change.

House Bills 6168-6170 were reported out of the House Judiciary Committee in a unanimous vote on May 26, with Mayor James Cooper, City Manager Brian Vick and City Attorney Mark McInerney testifying in support. With unanimous votes in the House, I'm confident that the Senate will move expeditiously and positively on these important bills and place them on the Governor's desk for her signature.

Tim Bledsoe represents the Grosse Pointes, Harper Woods and portions of Detroit in the Michigan House of Representatives. Visit him online.

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