A special election is taking place today that is costing taxpayers big bucks to fill the seat of former Congressman Thaddeus McCotter who resigned over the summer. McCotter stepped down in the 11th district after a scandal involving his staff members putting together false signatures on a nominating petition. Three former aides are facing charges. This special election will cost taxpayers $650,000. “It’s ridiculous. It’s $650,000 of costs that are caused by the selfish decision of one man, Thaddeus McCotter, former Congressman,” said Bill Bullard, the Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds. Cities have to pay for this election when they did not budget for it and might not be able to afford it, yet it has to be done.
“There are some cities that are strapped. Most cities and townships and they might have to cut into the police and fire protection to pay for the cost of this election which is ridiculous,” said Bill Bullard. Bullard said he wrote a letter to the Governor and a number of legislators to get a special appropriation in September to reimburse the local governments. He said taxpayers would have made out better if McCotter had not resigned, but would have just been paid to sit at home. “If he had talked to me I would have said, just stay home, don’t go to work, draw your salary, it would be cheaper than a special election,” said Bullard.
Full Article: Special election in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District for McCotter’s seat.