Court Strikes Down Democrats' Frivolous Lawsuit

Michigan Court of Appeals Shuts Down Lawsuit on Kent County Redistricting Lines

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Today, the Michigan Court of Appeals unanimously dismissed the lawsuit filed by Kent County Democrat Party Chair, Jim Rinck, against the Kent County Apportionment Commission.  The Democrats challenged the new boundaries for Kent County's county commissioner districts.  In a 3-0 ruling the court concluded that the plan adopted meets the requirements of the laws of this state and dismissed the case.

"It is unfortunate that the Democrats chose to waste tax payer dollars by pursuing a frivolous lawsuit," said Kent GOP Chairman, Sam Moore.  "It has been crystal clear all along that the Apportionment Commission followed the strict letter of the law in drafting its proposal and the court validated that point today.  The Kent County Democrat Party Chair cannot say the same about the proposals he drafted, so he chose to pursue costly litigation that has been struck down by the court."

The Apportionment Commission took a careful approach to consider all plans in accordance with the law.  They voted 4-1 in favor of the Kent County Apportionment Commission Plan that was approved on May 19, 2011.

"I am glad the courts saw through the Democrats' multiple proposals for what they were, political garbage, and ruled on the side of the Apportionment Commission," said Moore. "The approved plan was the only one that followed the law.  It is evident that Democrats' plans were drawn for political advantage, not to follow legal standards."

Background: The Kent County Apportionment Commission is comprised of the Kent County Clerk, Prosecutor and Treasurer, along with Democrat and Republican Party Chairs.  Jim Rinck, on behalf of the Kent County Democrat Party, submitted three vastly different plans, using different criteria each and every time.  The Apportionment Commission, after considering input from the public, adopted a plan to serve the interests of the citizens of Kent County.  

The newly drawn lines will be in effect for the next ten years until the process repeats itself in 2021.

Sam Moore

Kent GOP Chairman