In a statement from Detroit Charter Revision Commission Chair Carol Weaver, it is noted that an immediate appeal is being prepared for the case to be heard before the Michigan Court of Appeals. She has released the following statement for the media.
“The elected members of the Detroit Charter Revision Commission are greatly disappointed with the decision by Judge Timothy Kenny of the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan. His opinion disregards much of the law regarding the right of electors to adopt their charters. Both Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel agree that the Governor has absolutely no power to prevent a revised charter from being considered by Detroit voters. This fact was made very clear in the Governor’s April 30, 2021 letter to the Commission.
We expect the Governor, as Chief Executive Officer of the State and Dana Nessel as the state’s Chief Legal Officer to immediately intervene in our case. We are requesting that they join us in this significant matter to support the current state of law. Although the Governor has previously objected to the revised charter, she has clearly stated that it could still go on the August 3rd ballot despite her lack of approval. Michigan law explicitly allows the Detroit Charter Revision Commission to have the issue included on the ballot for voters to decide”.
A news conference will be held once the appeal has been officially filed with the Michigan Court of Appeals.