Lawmakers Push for Overhaul in Selection of Key Michigan Officials
A significant political shift could be on the horizon in Michigan as a bipartisan group of legislators, supported by two ex-governors, seeks to revamp the process for selecting key state officials. This initiative aims to change how nominees for attorney general and secretary of state are chosen, alongside altering the selection method for the boards governing Michigan’s largest public universities.
A resolution introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives proposes a constitutional amendment. This would enable the governor to appoint members to the boards of Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University, pending state Senate approval. This approach aligns with the current system for Michigan’s other public universities. Moreover, the amendment suggests transitioning from party conventions to primary elections for selecting attorney general and secretary of state candidates.
Proponents of this resolution argue that primary elections, already used for gubernatorial candidates, would yield stronger candidates for these two significant state offices. Former governors from both parties have voiced their support for granting future governors the appointment power for university board members.
Former Governor John Engler, a Republican, remarked, “In recent years, we have seen how political parties have fumbled the nominating process by failing to properly vet board candidates. When board members are distracted by infighting and petty grievances and ignore their fiduciary responsibilities, they can do irreparable harm to our universities.” Engler highlighted that such distractions deter talented administrators and faculty.
Recent controversies at UM, MSU, and WSU, including allegations of sexual misconduct and internal board conflicts, underscore the need for reform. The MSU Board of Trustees recently convened an emergency online meeting to address dissent among its members.
The proposed amendment also plans to subject appointed board members to Michigan’s ethics laws for public officials. However, swift legislative action is required to secure a two-thirds majority in time for the amendment to appear on the August ballot, with a potential alternative being the November ballot.
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