Talks continue about how to boost efficiencies when it comes to seasonal responsibilities for the City of Brightonâs DPW.
City Council held a study session with staff regarding winter sidewalk and summer turf maintenance, with dialogue centered on potential changes to increase efficiency and safety. Lawn maintenance was the shorter discussion of the two and Council members were said to be open to making changes to improve efficiency and safety. There was no talk of eliminating any employees but its possible different crews could be shifted around or consolidated to save time and equipment, and that some city properties currently maintained could perhaps be left to grow wild.
This is DPW Director Marcel Gochâs first summer working for the City and heâs been busy evaluating the department procedures and practices and how things operate. Goch tells WHMI heâs looking at everything and wants to be fiscally responsible but safe when considering ways to gain some efficiencies down the road to save time and money.
Goch says itâs a balancing act when it comes to snow removal and plowing and there are still a lot of discussions to be had. During times of big snow events, the priority is roads first and then immediately clearing sidewalks, which is often done with crews working extended shifts, leading to excessive overtime costs and crew fatigue. Goch says if they do a straight time, that could alleviate some stress and pressure on crews coming in. He says itâs kind of a balancing act to determine how many people you can bring in at one time but still be able to keep a crew throughout the day, especially during big snow storms because people can get burnt out. Goch says they want to get the job done but also keep everybody safe because a lot of times clean-up work goes all night and into the next day.
Staff has recommended rethinking the status of sidewalk maintenance, with Goch saying sidewalks are important but you have to be able to prioritize everything. Sidewalk maintenance and snow removal is technically the responsibility of the individual property owner per ordinance, but the City has been clearing sidewalks in the downtown area and on Grand River as a courtesy service for the last several years. Goch expects theyâll probably host future discussions on that, noting this will be his first winter season to evaluate things and see how much time is spent on different jobs. Also being evaluated are current practices related to mowing and maintenance on city properties and how often it should be done. (JM)
City Of Brighton Evaluating Summer Turf Maintenance & Snow Removal City Of Brighton Evaluating Summer Turf Maintenance & Snow Removal
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New Tornado Sirens To Be Installed In City Of Howell New Tornado Sirens To Be Installed In City Of Howell
Two tornado sirens in the City of Howell have reached the end of their useful life and are being replaced.
The Howell City Council earlier approved the purchase and installation of two sirens at a cost not to exceed $43,465. The units are scheduled to be installed Monday. The City has three tornado sirens; one at the City Park, another at the Waste Water Treatment Plant and a third at the Main Fire Station on Grand River.
Livingston County 911 Central Dispatch conducts monthly tests of all sirens to make sure theyâre functioning properly. During routine testing, it was discovered that two had failed and given the age of the units, replacement parts are no longer available.
City Manager Shea Charles says the City has three tornado warning sirens but two have failed and are older models installed about thirty years ago from what they can tell. He says they decided to proceed with the purchase of two new ones and will wait and see what happens with the third one, which is at City Park.
The City was one of the first local communities to install tornado warning sirens, hence the age. Officials say the new sirens will match those that are being installed throughout the county and will make future maintenance much easier. They also feature remote activation capability. (JM)
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Michigan High School Robotics Team Takes 8th Place at International CompetitionMichigan High School Robotics Team Takes 8th Place at International Competition
Students from Stockbridge High School placed 8th out of 40 teams at the 16th annual International Student ROV Competition. The team propelled to success at the competition, thanks to members Jake Chapman, Colin Lilley, Madi Howard, Faith Whitt, Michelle Zemke, and Kael Bunce. Teams from across the U.S., as well as 17 other countries, competed against one another June 23rd through the 25th in Long Beach, California.
The competition called the students to have tethered ROVs, or remotely operated vehicles, complete underwater tasks. The robots were created and designed by students during the school year. The yearly competition from the Marine Advanced Technology Education, or MATE Center, promotes student learning and application in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Photo Credit: Robert L. Richards
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Fenton Man Arrested For 10th Drunk Driving After Crash Fenton Man Arrested For 10th Drunk Driving After Crash
A Fenton man is facing charges after getting pulled over for this tenth drunk driving.
52-year-old Joseph Booker is facing his tenth operating while intoxicated charge and his third offense of driving while license suspended. Traverse City television station WPBN reports the incident happened after a one vehicle crash Monday around 1:30pm at Countyline and Custer Road in Free Soil Township. The Mason County Sheriff's Office reported that Booker ran off the road and into a ditch. A breathalyzer administered at the scene showed a blood alcohol content of .28%.
Booker was subsequently arrested and jailed. He was being held on a $15,000 cash/surety bond. (JM)
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Rogers To Retire As Howell Area Park & Rec Authority Director Rogers To Retire As Howell Area Park & Rec Authority Director
The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority director has announced his retirement.
Paul Rogers announced his pending retirement in a letter addressed to the Authority Board, saying he and his family have decided that itâs time after almost 49 years of working full time. Rogers thanked the board for the opportunity to be a part of the organization and for its support during some trying but necessary times. He says the Authority has become a better entity because of the willingness of staff to hang in there and understand what it takes to become the best.
In reflecting back on the past three years and six months, he says a lot has been accomplished in moving HAPRA toward a more professional and financially responsible organization. Rogers helped restructure the department, obtain facilities, get the budget out of the black and established a reserve fund for the first time since HAPRA became an Authority. Under his leadership, festivals have grown and started to turn profits and Howell Township has also rejoined the Authority as a full participating municipality after almost a ten year absence. Rogers last official day will be December 22nd but he plans to assist the board in finding his replacement during the next six months.
The complete retirement letter and detailed accomplishments mare attached. (JM)
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Brighton City Police To Host "Coffee With A Cop"Brighton City Police To Host "Coffee With A Cop"
The Brighton City Police Department is hosting a Coffee with a Cop event next week.
Individuals and neighbors with questions for the Brighton Police Department or others who just want to get to know local officers are encouraged to attend the event for conversation. Officials say there is no agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know officers in your neighborhoods.
âCoffee with a Copâ will have two different time slots on Tuesday, July 11th for the communityâs convenience between 8-10am and then 7-9pm at Tim Hortons on Grand River. (JM)
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Three Fenton Township Teens Charged In Home Invasions, Vehicle Larcenies Three Fenton Township Teens Charged In Home Invasions, Vehicle Larcenies
Three teens are facing charges for various vehicle larcenies and home invasions in Fenton Township.
The Genesee County Sheriffâs Office has been investigating reports of home invasions and larcenies from automobiles that were reported in the area of Island View Drive and Pavilion Drive in Fenton Township. The Tri-County Times reports the investigation discovered the incidents in May and June were related and most likely committed by the same individuals, with charges since being authorized in the case.
18-year-old Austen Webber of Fenton Township is facing charges of fraudulent use of a transaction device and larceny from a motor vehicle for a June 13th incident in the 16000 block of Pavilion Drive. Both 17-year-old Jaxon Gatza of Fenton Township and 17-year Christian Sornson of Fenton Township are each charged with 1st degree home invasion for an incident on May 31st in the 4000 block of Island View Drive.
The investigations are said to be ongoing and itâs possible that more charges could be filed. All three teens are currently free on bond pending future court dates. (JM)
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Paid Parking in Downtown Brighton Discussed at Council MeetingPaid Parking in Downtown Brighton Discussed at Council Meeting
A former Brighton City Council member says that the public should have to pay to park on downtown streets and in downtown parking lots. Dennis Nauss, who served several terms on council mostly in the 90âs, told council Thursday night that other area communities the size of Brighton charge for parking and Brighton should, as well. Nauss said his reasoning is that if the city required that shoppers, diners and others coming downtown pay for parking, the resulting revenue could be used to give city taxpayers a break on their city taxes. Nauss said that merchants might see an economic advantage to customers parking for free downtown, but residents are not reaping the benefits of it. Mayor Jim Muzzin said in response to Nauss that the Downtown Development Authority had in the recent past discussed the possibility of charging for downtown parking, although the decision would be up to City Council. Brighton at one time did have meters downtown, but they were eventually removed because council at that time felt it was a detriment to attracting shoppers when they could go to nearby malls and park for free. Others on council have stated in the past that parking at malls and shopping center might be free, but thereâs a downside, since they often have to walk a considerable distance. It has also been said that the advantage to free on-street parking over mall parking is that shoppers and diners can park very close to their destination. (TT)
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Potential Lake Contamination In Fenton TownshipPotential Lake Contamination In Fenton Township
The Department of Environmental Quality believes a lake could be receiving contamination as a result of water being discharged from a Fenton Township farm.
Two notices from the DEQ have been sent to Starrs Farm, due to three alleged violations from earlier this year. The Tri-County Times reports that one of the letters from the DEQ notes that discolored water from the farm has discharged over a curb onto Lakeview Park Drive and then into Byram Lake. While it is believed that the water was diluted and therefore will not have a significant impact on the lake, the DEQ does say the contaminated wastewater âpresents a potential threat to human health and may be injuriousâ to the lake.
Two of the other violations reference a storage system that retains contaminated wastewater from the farmâs feeding operation, and an area between the system and Lakeview Park Drive that was filled with contaminated water that tested positive for the presence of fecal bacteria. That water flows into Byram Lake from several directions. The owner of the farm has reportedly presented a corrective plan to the DEQ and is waiting for their response. (DK)
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Vietnam Veterans To Be Honored At Upcoming Ceremony in FowlervilleVietnam Veterans To Be Honored At Upcoming Ceremony in Fowlerville
A ceremony near Fowlerville later this month will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War by paying tribute to its veterans.
The âWelcome Home Vietnam Veteransâ event will be held at the Michigan Riders Memorial Wall in Iosco Township at 2pm on Saturday, July 22nd during the Vetstock music festival. Event organizers say the goal is to give long-overdue recognition to Vietnam War-era veterans and their families. A commemorative lapel pin will be presented to U.S. veterans who served on active duty at any time between November 1955 and May 1975, regardless of location. The Commemoration was authorized by Congress and established under the secretary of defense before being formally launched five years ago.
It was designed in honor of the 50th anniversary of the war, and the symbolism attached to the lapel pin is significant, according to Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kowall, who will be hosting the event in conjunction with State Senator Joe Hune.
In addition to the veterans and their families, community members are encouraged to attend as well. RSVP is preferred but not mandatory. RSVPs can be made by emailing waynewn6@gmail.com, or by calling 248-904-3500. (DK/JK)
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Anniversary & Groundbreaking Set This Week For Habitat For HumanityAnniversary & Groundbreaking Set This Week For Habitat For Humanity
A groundbreaking will be held this week for new Livingston County Habitat for Humanity home build.
As Habitat for Humanity marks 25 years in the community, itâs also celebrating the start of a new Habitat house for Becky Gremore and her family. The organization builds decent, safe and affordable housing for those in need who qualify.
Resource Development Manager Karla Macelli tells WHMI the ceremony will start at 2pm Thursday and involves a blessing of the ground for the family and their new home. She says itâs a very simple, basic ceremony and blessing of the ground because Habitat for Humanity is a Christian based organization. However, itâs also a way for Habitat and the community to show support for the new homeowner. Macelli says itâs nice to have a lot to build on in downtown Howell for someone who is a hometown girl. Gremore is a mother of two who was raised in Howell, graduated from Howell High School with honors, and also works in Howell.
The selection process for a new home build begins with a person applying and going through the application process, as well as credit checks and the ability to pay the mortgage taken into account. Macelli says the person selected is also the one with the most need. Once selected, she says the individual must then put in 250 hours of work and service to the organization to demonstrate itâs something they are working for and really believe in.
Meanwhile, the organization will also celebrate its 25th Anniversary with an open house this week. Sunday marked the actual anniversary of Habit for Humanityâs presence in Livingston County. The open house will be held Wednesday with light refreshments and tours of the ReStore on Grand River in Genoa Township to showcase the work it does. Macelli says the ReStore accepts furniture and building materials, which are sold and the funds raised then go toward building affordable homes in the community. She says the store also does recycling of latex paint and scrap metal, again with funds going to help build homes. Various donated Ethan Allen products have been donated to Habitat as part of a nationwide campaign, which will be sold at the event.
Wednesdayâs anniversary open house is open to the public and will run from 4 to 6pm. Details can be found online through the link provided. (JM)
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Ceremony To Honor Livingston County World War I VetsCeremony To Honor Livingston County World War I Vets
A patriotic organization is honoring Livingston County soldiers who gave their lives during World War I.
2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the United Statesâ entry into the Great War. The Philip Livingston Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, or DAR, is commemorating this and the sacrifice that local servicemen made with a ceremony next Friday, July 14th. DAR aims to honor the legacy of its memberâs patriotic ancestors through various programs and events geared towards historic preservation, education, and patriotism. The event will take place at the northwest corner of the county courthouse in Howell, at the World War I Honor Roll Plaque. There the Daughters will say a prayer, read the names of the 26 Livingston County soldiers who perished, and lay a wreath in their memory. The Sons of the Revolution Color Guard will also make a special appearance to present the flags.
Commemorative Events Chairman for DAR, Sue Ellen Andrews, said they have more plans to honor WWI veterans coming up. She told WHMI they are currently working on a book featuring local memberâs grandfather who fought in the war. The event begins at 10am, is expected to last around 1 hour, and is open and free to the public. More information can be gained by emailing the local chapter of DAR at plc.dar@gmail.com.
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Saturday Event Seeks To Educate Community About Human TraffickingSaturday Event Seeks To Educate Community About Human Trafficking
A non-profit organization will host an event in Brighton this weekend that seeks to educate the public about ways to bring an end to modern-day forms of slavery.
The event will be held at the Proper Cup in Genoa Township this Saturday, July 15th, from 6 to 9pm. There, community members will learn about the different forms of human trafficking, how to recognize it, and how they can get involved in the fight against it. The event will be hosted by The Key Project, an organization focused on raising awareness about human trafficking, and will feature presentations from field professionals.
Mariah McDonald, President of The Key Project, says while Michigan has made great strides in reducing the volume of trafficking, it still ranks fifth in the country and that there is so much more to be done. Michigan is vulnerable to trafficking because of its proximity to the Canadian border, Toledo turnpike, and waterways, allowing victims to be easily transported.
McDonald believes every individual has some type of specialty or talent that can aid in combating trafficking; it just requires discovering that skill and taking action. McDonald says sometimes, it is the simple act of kindness that can make a difference. She feels vulnerable people are the ones often targeted because they are easily manipulated. If they are shown kindness, she believes they wonât be as vulnerable to the point where the only love and attention they receive is from someone who wants to use them in horrifying ways.
In fighting the problem, the first goal is prevention, then recognizing it to put a stop to it, and finally, helping victims heal. Next monthâs event is free, but donations are accepted and will be given to Heavenly Hope, a Detroit-based non-profit that supports trafficking survivors. Details about both organizations and the event are available at the link below. (DK/JK)
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Milford Woman Charged In Livonia Store RobberyMilford Woman Charged In Livonia Store Robbery
Livonia Police arrested a Milford woman for robbery after they say she assaulted a store employee.
35 year old Molly Tourangeau was arrested July 5th after she was pulled over for a traffic violation and it was discovered that she was a suspect wanted for stealing merchandise from a Hallmark store in Livonia. Store employees told police that Tourangeau put glass candle holders in her bag and when she approached by a store employee, a struggle ensued and a candle holder fell and struck the employee in the head. After Tourangeau left the store, she was pulled over for a traffic violation and police say evidence related to the case was recovered from her vehicle.
She was charged with unarmed robbery with a probable cause conference is expected to take place this week in Livonia District Court and a preliminary examination July 20th. If convicted, she faces up to 15 years in prison. (JK)
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Proposed Project Calls For Retail, Condos & Parking Deck In Downtown Milford Proposed Project Calls For Retail, Condos & Parking Deck In Downtown Milford
A public hearing Wednesday will be centered on the rezoning of a parcel to make way for a new development project and parking deck in downtown Milford.
The Milford Planning Commission will consider a rezoning and site plan for a project consisting of condos, retail space and a parking deck on the corner of Main Street and Commerce Road. Itâs proposed on the site of a former gas station and the property is owned by the Milford Downtown Development Authority.
Developers are seeking a rezoning from B-2 to a planned unit development or PUD due to height restrictions under the current zoning. The four-story building would be 56-feet tall and feature retail space on the main floor, with condo units on the other three floors. The fourth floor would be recessed and contain four condo units, which officials say would help the project not look so big from the street.
An attached, platform style parking deck is also being proposed with roughly 116 spaces. Itâs proposed to be a public-private partnership with terms would be worked out in the PUD agreement. The concept is the building would be owned by a private entity and the DDA would own the parking.
The project would still need to go before the Milford Village Council for possible approval. Wednesdayâs public hearing on the rezoning starts at7:30pm at the Village offices on Atlantic Street. (JM)
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National Security Expert Joins Race To Unseat BishopNational Security Expert Joins Race To Unseat Bishop
A national security expert who has worked for both the Bush and Obama administrations made it official today that she is seeking the Democratic nomination to unseat Republican Congressman Mike Bishop next year.
Elissa Slotkin of Holly is a former Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense and says she wants to bring a deep commitment to public service to residents in the 8th Congressional District, something she believes is currently lacking on the part of Bishop. Slotkin joined the Central Intelligence Agency following 9/11 and ended up serving three tours in Iraq, where she met her husband, a former Apache pilot, who retired as a colonel from the U.S. Army after 30 years of service. After serving overseas, Slotkin worked for President Bush as a member of his national security staff and was asked to stay on when President Obama took office in 2009, where she eventually became Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense. At the Pentagon, she says she negotiated sensitive matters including the fight against ISIS and the U.S. response to Russian aggression. Slotkin told WHMI that in no way should the United State consider Russia as an ally.
Slotkin, whose mother died of ovarian cancer in 2011, tells WHMI that Congressman Bishopâs votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with a GOP plan that would cover millions of fewer Americans was one of the main issues motivating her to get into the race. "He either doesn't understand what he voted for or doesn't care about the consequences for the people in his district. Given how personal this was for me, it really motivated me to get in the race. He has a history of taking money from the health care industry, from the prescription drug industry, going back to his time in the Michigan Senate, so it's just time for something different, for someone who puts public service first."
Slotkin says she understands that the 8th District has been solidly Republican, but feels that that if the 2016 election proved anything, it was that people are tired of âcareer politicians who seem to have forgotten that they are public servants elected to do one, simple job: improve the lives of the constituents they have the privilege to represent.â
When asked for comment on today's announcement, Stu Sandler, a spokesperson for the Mike Bishop for Congress campaign said, âIt's the Jon Ossoff plan that Democrats are trying all over the nation. Take a Hillary staffer, transfer them into a district where they have little ties, and see what happens. It didnât work in Georgia and I think Michigan voters are skeptical of this type of political maneuver."
Slotkin is kicking off her campaign with events across the district, ending with a gathering at 6:30pm at the Brewery Becker in Brighton. (JK)
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Grant Agreement to Develop Fillmore County Park Making Its Way To Final ApprovalGrant Agreement to Develop Fillmore County Park Making Its Way To Final Approval
A grant that will help develop property into a recreation-friendly park in Livingston County has received preliminary approval for its agreement between the county and state.
A $172,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation fund will be used for amenities and development of the Fillmore County Park. The 198 acres of property is located at Euler and McClements Roads in Genoa Township and owned by the county.
The county secured matching funds for the grant well over a year ago, which came from the Livingston County Foundation, as well as the City of Howell and Marion and Genoa Townships. Planning Director Kathleen Kline-Hudson says the park will be developed in phases. Phase one of the park will include constructing an access road and entry parking lot, a large playing field, restroom facilities, and a 5k path.
An agreement with the MDNR for the grant and the projectâs budget were both approved by a county subcommittee Monday night. The countyâs Finance Committee will take the resolutions approving the agreement and budget up at their meeting Wednesday.
Kline-Hudson says bids for construction havenât been put out because the resolutions are still working their way to approval through the countyâs committees and board of commissioners. Once and if the resolutions receive final approval, the county will have two years to complete the project. (DK)
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Resident Appeals Unsafe Building & Demolition Ruling From Howell City Council Resident Appeals Unsafe Building & Demolition Ruling From Howell City Council
An appeal hearing in regard to an unsafe structure took up the bulk of Mondayâs Howell City Council meeting.
City officials, staff and the homeowner Michiel Drown were all sworn in by the city clerk prior to giving testimony about the home and garage structure at 816 McPherson. Both have been deemed unsanitary and uninhabitable, and Council ultimately voted to proceed with demolition through the local court system.
Drown was given an opportunity to address Council about his situation and said heâs had a difficult few years with health problems but has recovered and is recently back to work. Two dogs on the property were removed from the home and are now in the care of Livingston County Animal Control.
Drownâs friend Troy Hughes-Morris asked for the opportunity to help get it cleaned up and Drown back in his home. He acknowledged the condition of the home, saying they didnât realize it was in that bad of shape but that Drown should be given some time to get his family home cleaned up or at least be allowed back on the premises to get his valuables. He said Drown did take care of his dogs that were seized but they keep getting the runaround from Animal Control trying to get them back.
Staff indicated Drown has been living in the home and making due without water and sanitation for an estimated four years. Drown apparently had a deal with a neighbor to draw electricity which a friend said wasnât right but the neighbor allowed it. Mayor Nick Proctor said it was difficult for him to ask but he had to question why Drown should be given some leeway in getting the home repaired.
In voting to proceed with obtaining an order for demolition through the court system, members stated it was a difficult decision but staff and officials acted appropriately and followed ordinances. Councilwoman Jan Lobur was also sympathetic to the situation and was hopeful that Drown might be able to get some kind of assistance through local agencies and the courts. (JM)
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Paving On D-19, Brighton & Spencer Roads Progressing Paving On D-19, Brighton & Spencer Roads Progressing
Road paving and improvement projects in the Brighton and Howell areas are moving along.
The majority of work on Brighton and Spencer Roads is being done at night to lessen impact on motorists. Paving is scheduled to take place on Brighton Road again tonight. Work is also being done on a portion of Spencer Road from I-96, east to Old US-23. Night paving is scheduled on Spencer Road this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, although weather permitting.
In Howell, the D-19 improvement project is mostly done although there might be some flagging work today. Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI crews still have to place some material, mostly south of Coon Lake, behind/beyond the gravel shoulder. That will only take a couple of days of work but Craine says the rain will stretch it. A few driveways also need to be done before painting and final completion. (JM)
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Attorney Calls On Prosecutor To Speak Out Or Act On Brennan InvestigationAttorney Calls On Prosecutor To Speak Out Or Act On Brennan Investigation
A local attorney is calling on Livingston Countyâs prosecutor to speak publicly about what, if any, actions are being taken against an embattled judge.
Howell attorney Tom Kizer sent a letter July 5th to Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt challenging him to either announce publicly if he is either actively investigating 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan for alleged illegal actions or if he is ârelying upon an investigation by the attorney generalâs office.â Kizer, who has long been an outspoken critic of Judge Brennan, referenced recent comments by Livingston County Chief Judge David Reader regarding Brennanâs recent conduct in a paternity case in which he spoke of her constantly interjecting herself into proceedings as well as making âerroneous rulings on the law or ignores the law completely.â While Judge Reader declined to grant a motion removing Brennan from the paternity case, Kizer says Vailliencourt has information of a far more troubling nature that he needs to act on.
In the July 5th letter, which is posted below, Kizer points to what he called âcriminal behavior and ethical breachesâ by Brennan during her divorce proceedings in February. Kizer represented Brennanâs ex-husband in the divorce. During testimony in that case, Brennan was questioned about her relationship to Michigan State Police Detective Sean Furlong, who served as the chief witness in the 2013 double-murder trial of Jerome Kowalski. Both Brennan and Furlong admitted to having an affair, but maintain it began after the trial, which ended in Kowalskiâs conviction and life prison sentence. However, testimony in the divorce case alleged it began years before and continued through the trial itself. Kizer maintains that Vailliencourt has been in receipt of sworn testimony since March about what he insists are Brennanâs âcriminal actsâ and insinuates that the prosecutorâs silence has caused âmany to suspectâ his motives, especially considering the fact that Vailliencourt supported Brennanâs re-election to the bench in 2014. He also insists Vailliencourt âdropped the ballâ just before the start of the Kowalski trial after Kizer had sent him a letter asking him to investigate the relationship between Brennan and Furlong.
The letter, which came just two days before the scheduled start of the trial precipitated a hearing in front of Chief Judge Reader, who ruled that no bias could be demonstrated based on Brennanâs assertion that she only had a social friendship with Detective Furlong and nothing more. When Jerome Kowalskiâs son Jared also raised the issue of that letter this past March, Vailliencourt told WHMI that his office, âdid everything at the time that could have been doneâ including immediately notifying defense counsel and that the matter was promptly addressed in court.â Vailliencourt said that it was only after specific evidence was received earlier this year that he âimmediately requested investigations by the appropriate authorities to determine what the facts are.â But Kizer believes more should have been done, saying that Vailliencourt âjust took the word of the Judge and never even apparently inquired of the detective or his Prosecutor staff if any of the questions raised in my letters had substance.â
While search warrants carried out at Judge Brennanâs office and home by State Police were authorized by the Michigan AGâs office, they have declined to confirm their office is investigating Judge Brennan. Kizer, who has also sent several letters to the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission concerning Brennanâs alleged improprieties, closes his July 5th letter to Vailliencourt by saying that, âEvery day that passes in silence from our chief law enforcement official is an indication of special favors and special consideration to the powerful.â
When asked to comment about Kizerâs comments, Vailliencourt told WHMI, âAs has been my consistent practice, I do not comment on investigations, whether they involve my office, the Attorney Generalâs office, or any other agency. It would be highly inappropriate for me to do so.â (JK)
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