KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Despite former Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield resigning from his new position as CEO of Southwest Michigan First, the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners has voted to suspend its relationship with the organization at this time.
During a virtual meeting Tuesday night, the Board discussed the matter at length, which had previously been discussed during the last meeting. The issue stemmed from the announcement that Chatfield had been hired as CEO of Southwest Michigan First last month.
That decision drew backlash from multiple organizations, including the County Board of Commissioners and the City of Kalamazoo Board of Commissioners. Many cited Chatfield’s stances on LGBTQ-related issues, while others cited his lack of experience for the position.
The City Commissioners had already voted to suspend their own relationship with Southwest Michigan First. Multiple organizations also expressed their displeasure with the hiring decision.
Following the measure implemented by the City Commission, County Commissioners began discussing the matter the very next night.
Former Michigan Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield. (Photo courtesy of Michigan House GOP).
“We allocate each year $75,000 to Southwest Michigan First in our budget,” Board Chair Tracy Hall said at that time. “We have made a commitment not to rush things through. I would like us to consider, in two weeks, suspending our contribution for 2021 to Southwest Michigan First.”
Although Chatfield later announced that he would step down from his position after the backlash, County Commissioners began their second round of discussion Tuesday night before putting the matter to a vote. The motion would suspend the $75,000 that the county pays to Southwest Michigan First annually.
County Administrator Tracie Moored said that the actual amount would be around $40,000 since the payment is prorated.
Commissioner John Gisler said that he would vote in favor of suspending the relationship, but not because of Chatfield’s beliefs or recent events around him.
“County taxpayers, while they benefit hugely from the efforts of Southwest Michigan First, it’s not something we should budget annually,” Gisler said, adding that he had been talking about this as early as ten years ago. “I didn’t think it appropriate that County taxpayer money was going into a private nonprofit.”
That said, he still supported everything the organization stands for.
Commissioner Dale Shugars said that he would be voting against the matter for a number of reasons, with economic value being one of them.
“I think that we’re putting ourselves in an awkward position to be effective in economic development,” Shugars said. “If you sign a contract and then you change it down the road, it may be legal, but I don’t think it’s in the best interest as far as ethics, so I’m going to be voting no.”
Board Chair Tracy Hall said that she would be supporting the suspension, and that she believed the partnership would actually benefit in the long run as a result.
“I feel very confident and strongly about this, that by the end of this year, Southwest Michigan First and the Kalamazoo County Government will be better partners,” Hall said. “I can say this because I’ve had a few discussions already. The Administrator and I have set up monthly discussions with Southwest Michigan First leadership, I’m excited about that. I was excited about the conversation we had last week. They have a strong desire to come in front of us.”
Commissioner Veronica McKissack confirmed that since this incident, Southwest Michigan First has contacted the Board regarding what the next best course of action will be.
“They recognize that there was an offense, they recognize the impact and they’re willing to move forward and have a conversation,” Commissioner McKissack said. “I think a part of being strong is to acknowledge and be accountable, and then to move forward.”
Ultimately, the majority of the Board voted to suspend their relationship with Southwest Michigan First.
Further conversations between both parties are now expected in the future.
