Michigan High Court Votes To Close Offices
November 14, 2008
The Detroit Free Press reports today that Michigan’s Supreme Court voted yesterday to close several satellite offices used by justices – saving hard-hit Michigan taxpayers an estimated $400,000 per year. You’d think such a modest cost-cutting measure would win unanimous support given Michigan’s severe budget crisis – especially considering that Michigan taxpayers footed the bill for the plush, new $88 million Hall of Justice that houses the Court in Lansing.
But you’d be wrong.
At a time when many Michigan residents are losing their homes, three Justices – including Betty Weaver – voted to keep their second offices. Justice Weaver has a history of fighting to keep her perks and privileges; she even whined about giving up her taxpayer-funded state car.
Any savings that might trickle down to the taxpayers might be short-lived, however. The 4-3 decision may well be reversed early next year when Diane Hathaway takes the seat of Clifford Taylor after defeating him in the recent election. Justice Weaver likes to pose as the great defender of the “little guy” – except, it seems, when it comes to lightening the load on his/her wallet. She runs on the campaign slogan: “Weaver. We Need Her.” As far as Michigan taxpayers are concerned, it ought to be: Weaver. Who Needs Her.
Posted by Dan Pero in the categories: Michigan
4 Responses to “Michigan High Court Votes To Close Offices”
In a vote that was brought up without discussion during conference a few days ago Justice Robert P. Young, Jr. proposed the closure of the 4 justices satellite offices which would estimate a savings up to $400,000 annually. THIS REMAINS TO BE SUBSTANTIATED. Currently there are 3 suites (2 of which are being occupied by Justice Young and Justice Kelly) in the Cadillac Place. The Cadillac Place, formerly an old GM building, was bought under the Engler administration. GM didn’t want the building. The legislature made an agreement to purchase this office space. Regardless as to whether the Justices move out of this office space or not, the legislature is obligated to pay for this space under their contract. Unless they can privately lease this space, which is unlikely, the legislature is obligated to foot the bill. Who is looking for office space in Detroit these days? The addition of Justice-elect Diane Hathaway will not additionally cost the taxpayers a dime to lease office space since there is an open office in the Cadillac Place that we are already paying for.
Now, the space in Traverse City may actually save the taxpayers $62,000-$65,000 a year. However, the elimination of this money only will reduce the budget of the judiciary. It will not save the taxpayers any money since it will be appropriated elsewhere. Taxpayers don’t care which branch of government the money goes to.
I agree with the dissent, as such it is not highly advisable to have all seven justices within arms reach at all times (especially since they can not get along in the first place).
I stand by Justice Weaver in that she fights for what is right and what is justice. yes-for the ‘little guy’
It is my belief that it is good that the Justices representing the state of Michigan are not kept under the wrap of the Lansing lifestyle especially in a beautiful state such as Michigan in which you can drive for hundreds of miles and still be in Michigan.
I suggest that you at least get your facts straight before you criticize someone of your own party.
you can find her statement and a local article regarding the closing of the satellite offices on the Traverse City Record-Eagle’s website at http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_319222846.html or her personally funded website.
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