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Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: Hoadley Hesitant to Overturn "Will of the Voters"

State Capitol - file photo
Melissa Benmark
/
WKAR

State Representative Jon Hoadley says “hypocrisy itself is not an expellable offense.” 

The Kalamazoo Democrat spoke with WMUK’s Gordon Evans on Tuesday, the day after a preliminary House report found that State Representatives Cindy Gamrat of Plainwell and Todd Courser of the Lapeer area misused taxpayer resources. Gamrat and Courser have acknowledged an affair. Both are married with children. The State House Business Office released its initial findings, but the full report is still pending. A special committee has been formed to determine if the two representatives are fit to serve. 

Credit WMUK
Jon Hoadley - file photo

Asked about the possibility of a vote to expel one or both of the Representatives, Hoadley says lawmakers should be careful. He says criminal activity or a significant misuse of state resources would be grounds for removal. But Hoadley says he is reluctant to overturn the “will of the voters.” He says recall might be a better way to deal with these two lawmakers. But Republican lawmakers approved changes two years that make it more difficult to recall an elected official. Hoadley says that limits the voters’ options and should be re-examined.

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State Representative Jon Hoadley discusses the scandal involving two state Representatives in an extra-marital affair

On other issues, Hoadley says he’s willing to consider taking money from other areas of the state budget to help fund road improvements. But he says lawmakers need to be cautious about counting on revenues to continue growing. Hoadley says budgeting for a “long-term” solution will require new revenue. He says lawmakers should consider increasing the gas tax, vehicle registration fees, and other options to find more money for roads. Hoadley says the state needs at least an additional $1-billion a year for roads. 

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Interview with Jon Hoadley - web version

Hoadley is the co-sponsor of a change to Michigan’s constitution that would put an independent commission in charge of redistricting. Asked if the proposal can get through the Legislature, Hoadley says he hopes that House Elections Committee Chairwoman Lisa Posthumus Lyons will schedule hearings on the legislation. But he says a petition drive could be launched to put the issue before voters.

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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