A bipartisan group of lawmakers and two former governors has called for a sweeping overhaul of how Democratic and Republican nominees for Michigan attorney general and secretary of state are selected, as well as removing the selection of candidates for the boards in charge of Michigan’s three largest public universities from party conventions.
A resolution introduced this week in the state House of Representatives would amend the Michigan Constitution would give the governor the power to name members of the boards of Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, subject to state Senate approval. That is the system used already for Michigan’s 12 other public universities. The amendment would also switch from party convention nominations to primary elections for attorney general and secretary of state.
Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates are already chosen in party primaries and supporters of the resolution to expand that to two more state offices say that the result would be stronger candidates.
Two former governors of both parties quickly endorsed extending to future governors the power to appoint members of public university boards.
“In recent years, we have seen how political parties have fumbled the nominating process by failing to properly vet board candidates,” said former Governor John Engler, a Republican. “When board members are distracted by infighting and petty grievances and ignore their fiduciary responsibilities, they can do irreparable harm to our universities. Talented administrators and faculty are discouraged, and the ability to retain or attract the most highly qualified people becomes impossible.”
In recent years, UM, MSU and WSU have dealt with conflict and official malfeasance, including in some cases charges of sexual misconduct and troubled relationships among board members. Last weekend, the MSU Board of Trustees held a hastily convened online meeting to argue over dealing with board members who publicly express dissent with board decisions.
The amendment would also subject the appointed board members to the state’s ethics law covering public officials.
Fast action in the Legislature would be needed to muster the two-thirds supermajority votes in time to make the August ballot. A proposed amendment question could also go on the November ballot.
