March 9, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today admonished Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema for his recommendation that Dorothy Jones’ appointment to the Board of State Canvassers be rejected, calling it “outrageous.”
           
Granholm noted that as the board’s longest-serving member, Jones is obviously “qualified” to serve on the board.  She has twice been appointed by former Republican Governor John Engler, has twice been confirmed by the State Senate, and has carried out her duties on this constitutional body under the law.
          
 “Dottie Jones has been good enough to serve Democratic and Republican governors alike, from Governors Milliken and Blanchard to Governor Engler and now me.  But, apparently, she is not good enough for Senator Sikkema,” said Granholm.  “This is the first time in 15 years the Senate has rejected a gubernatorial appointment.  This is a slap in the face to Dottie Jones and a slap in the face to a political process that requires bipartisanship.” 
           
According to Granholm, Jones meets all of the qualifications to serve on the Board of State Canvassers except one:  She refuses to ignore the law and be a rubber stamp for the Republicans. 
       
“Dottie Jones has upheld her constitutional responsibilities,” Granholm said.  “She is getting rejected because she asked tough questions and fought for clear and understandable wording on a ballot proposal on behalf of the voters of Michigan.  What she has done is uphold the law and refuse to be a rubber stamp for anyone’s partisan point-of-view.  For that, she is about to be dismissed, which should offend every person in this state.”
       
Jones’ first gubernatorial appointment came from Governor William Milliken when he appointed her to the Advisory Committee on Substance Abuse Services.  She was subsequently appointed by Governor James Blanchard to the Michigan Women’s Commission where she served a chair, and by Governor John Engler to the Board of State Canvassers where she has the distinction of being the longest serving member.  Jones has previously been confirmed by the State Senate on four occasions.

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