March 22, 1996

Legislative & Political Week in Review

• Juvenile crime was on the mind of the legislature this week as state senators overwhelmingly approved a proposal to increase penalties for "walkaways"—juvenile prison escapees. Senate Bill 840 will impose new felony sanctions on prisoners who escape, or attempt to escape, from a juvenile facility. Over in the House, legislators adopted two of Gov. Engler’s juvenile justice reform measures: One (SB 681) paves the way for the establishment of a privately run prison for violent youth offenders, and the other (HB 4723) authorizes a "punk prison," housing youths who have been tried and sentenced as adults.
• U.S. Senator Bob Dole was the big winner in the four Midwest presidential primaries held this week; he now is virtually assured of the Republican presidential nomination. Although he garnered a majority in Michigan (51 percent of the votes cast), this state gave Dole his toughest sledding of the day; Pat Buchanan out polled him in the counties of St. Clair, Bay, Houghton, Lapeer, Otsego, and Tuscola. When the dust cleared, Buchanan had the support of more than one in three Michigan primary voters—to date, the high-water mark of his campaign.
• Also stepping up to the electoral plate Tuesday—and knocking the hide off the ball—were Detroit mayor Dennis Archer and Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch. Motor City voters overwhelmingly gave the pair the go-ahead to use city funds to forsake the ball yard at Michigan and Trumball in favor of building a new $240-million stadium and entertainment complex. Still more good news came their way when Ingham County circuit court judge James Giddings ruled in their favor on a lawsuit brought by Tiger Stadium Fan Club members, who attempted to block the use of $55 million—pledged by Gov. Engler, without legislative approval—from the state Strategic Fund to help finance the project. Giddings ruled Thursday that the monies in the fund are essentially private (they come from Indian casino gaming revenue) and not subject to legislative review.
• Chief Justice James Brickley ended speculation about his future plans by announcing Thursday that he will seek another term on the Michigan Supreme Court. He currently is spearheading an effort to overhaul Michigan’s court system. Brickley’s seat and that of Justice Charles Levin are up this fall. Court age restrictions bar Levin—the court’s only Independent—from running again.
• The architect of the so-called "Bounce Bonior" effort—having come up empty-handed in her efforts to field a viable candidate—may wind up challenging Congressman David Bonior (D-Mt Clemens) herself. Republican state party chair Suzy Heintz of Birmingham (which is not in Bonior’s district) will announce soon whether she will take on the 10-term lawmaker and thorn in House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s side.
• To fill the Oakland County Senate seat vacated last week by Sen. David Honigman (R-West Bloomfield), an unusual special primary election date has been announced. State office elections traditionally are held on Tuesdays, but this primary will be held on Monday, May 13. Two sitting Republican state representatives have signaled their intention to vie for the post; the Monday date will allow the loser to refile in the nick of time (4 p.m. the following day) for his or her present House seat. The general election will be held on Tuesday, June 4.
• Trading state highways for the campaign trail this fall will be former state transportation director Patrick Nowak. He hopes to park U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Flint) on the side of the electoral road come November.
• Speaker Paul Hillegonds (R-Holland) reluctantly will lay his gavel down for the last time at the end of this year. The universally well-regarded 18-year legislative veteran confirmed Thursday that despite his love of public policy, spending more time with his wife and young children will be his main priority. Ten years ago, Hillegonds took a divided minority caucus under his wing and systematically led it into "a can-do majority." His vocational plans seem uncertain at present, but possibilities—both in the private and public sectors — abound.