Genesee GOP Condemns Commissioners for Out-County Court Closure Vote

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 20, 2023

Contact: Chair Jay Fedewa - GeneseeCountyGOP@gmail.com

The Genesee County Republican Party strongly disapproves of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners' recent 8-1 vote to close courts outside the city of Flint. This decision, part of the county's proposed cost-saving measures, raises concerns about the Commissioners' commitment to their community’s access to essential court services and efficient use of taxpayers’ dollars.

Republican Commissioner Shaun Shumaker voted in opposition to the court closings due to uncertainty about which court locations may close at the time of the vote. We thank Commissioner Shumaker for his vote. Commissioners Cousineau, Davis, Ellenburg, and Weighill voted in favor of the consolidation plan that jeopardizes efficient access to court services.

“The Commissioners aim to consolidate all of the 67th District Court operations in downtown Flint as part of a capital improvement plan,” said Jay Fedewa, GCRP Chair. “While the Genesee County Republican Party is very supportive of sound fiscal policies and more limited government, we believe this change unfairly harms communities and individuals by pushing costs onto local municipalities and further complicating court hearings.”

Local judges also have argued that this plan exceeds the commissioners' authority, citing Michigan law mandating a district court facility in every city with a population exceeding 6,500. Fortunately, a recent restraining order from the Michigan Court of Appeals prevents the closure of satellite district courtrooms.

Flushing Mayor Joe Karlichek criticized the lack of consultation by the county with affected communities and urged commissioners to reverse their decision. The Small Cities and Villages Association has expressed opposition, citing potential negative impacts on police budgets in cities and villages due to increased costs for staffing and overtime.

The Genesee County Republican Party passed a resolution at their November meeting in opposition to the out-county court consolidation, and called on Commissioners Cousineau, Davis, Ellenburg, and Weighill to reconsider their vote in light of these legal developments and community concerns. We fully believe in transparency and accountable decision making and urge our County Commission to find other ways to cut costs rather than making it more difficult for residents of their community to access essential court services.

The Genesee County Republican Party meets the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM. Meeting details and more information can be found at www.GeneseeGOP.org or by following @GeneseeCountyRepublicanParty on Facebook.

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