Lahti Condemns Senate Majority for Refusal to Reappoint UP Natural Resources Commissioners

Political games could leave the UP with no say in important policy decisions on state's land and water

HANCOCK, MI - Thursday, August 26, 2010 - State Representative Michael Lahti today blasted the Michigan Senate Majority leadership for refusing to reappoint two Republican commissioners representing the Upper Peninsula to the Natural Resources Commission, and locking Upper Peninsula citizens out of their ability to have a say in policymaking decisions of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment which is against Michigan's constitution.

"The Senate Majority leaders are playing a political game with these appointments and that means that the Upper Peninsula will not have proper representation and input on decisions that affect our jobs, tourism, and our way of life," said Lahti. "This is exactly the kind of partisan bickering and political infighting in Lansing that so many Michigan citizens are tired of. These ploys have no place in a state government that should be focused on creating jobs and protecting families."

The Michigan Senate Majority last week refused to consent to the reappointments of Natural Resource Commissioner J.R. Richardson, first appointed in 2007, and Natural Resource Commissioner John M. Madigan, first appointed in 2002. Richardson and Madigan are both lifelong UP residents and the only UP residents on the NRC.

Senate Majority leadership has refused to approve any of the Governor's appointments or reappointments of Democrats or Republicans to state boards and commissions for individuals whose terms would begin after an arbitrary deadline of September 2, despite having the constitutional right and responsibility to make such appointments. Senate Majority leaders have stated they want these appointments left vacant to be filled by the next governor. Both Mr. Richardson and Mr. Madigan are Republicans.