By State Representatives Pete Lund and Kim Meltzer
There is only one thing worse than a corrupt politician — a corrupt politician who gets away with it.
As we’ve seen recently with the former Detroit mayor, Michigan elected officials who are charged with felony offenses can use their campaign funds for personal reasons and court costs.
House Bill 5758 prevents this use of campaign funds for personal reasons.
Under this reform bill, Michigan courts could place a lien on campaign accounts, effectively allowing the courts to determine how an elected official could spend their campaign funds. Many were surprised to learn that former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick spent more than $950,000 from his campaign fund to help cover the cost of his legal defense.
Disgraced elected officials need to stop raiding campaign funds in an attempt to save themselves from legal trouble. When Michigan voters donate to campaign funds, they rightly believe their money will be used to help someone get elected, not serve as a slush fund for the candidate’s personal needs.
Current Michigan law allows campaign funds to be used to help a candidate get elected or re-elected, but they also can be used for various “ordinary and necessary expenses” while carrying out the business of elected office, which makes the law ambiguous.
This common-sense legislative measure reflects the intent of Michigan campaign finance laws to protect Michigan citizens.
State Rep. Pete Lund represents the 36th House District which covers Shelby, Washington and Bruce townships in Macomb County. Residents may contact Lund at his Lansing office by calling 1-888-MICHREP (1-888-642-4737) or by E-mailing him at .
State Rep. Kim Meltzer is the primary sponsor of HB 5758 and represents the 33rd House District, which covers Ray and Macomb Townships, and a portion of Clinton Township in Macomb County. Residents may contact Meltzer at her Lansing office by calling (517) 373-0820 or by E-mailing her at kimmeltzer@house.mi.gov
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