2/14/13 - Some members of the Howell School Board hold differing opinions about the new conflict of interest law that will prevent board members Mike and Kim Witt from voting on teachersâ union contracts. The law, called Public Act 606, forbids school board members from voting on employee contracts that involve their family members. It was sponsored by Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township and passed during the state legislatureâs lame duck session. School Board President Mike Witt and Secretary Kim Witt are related to an educator in the district and thus are prohibited from voting on a new contract for teachers after the current one expires in June. Other Howell School Board members are divided on their opinions of the act. Newcomer Stacy Pasini says that while she supports transparency, she feels conflict of interest questions should be handled on a case-by-case basis. Deb McCormick, also a newcomer to the board, took a neutral stance, saying only that the board would follow the law and continue to work to the best of its ability. Mike Yenshaw didn't say whether he was for or against the law, but only indicated that it should be extended to all governmental agencies. (TD/JK)
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