Senate leaders expect Smith to resign despite judge’s move
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Leaders in the Michigan Senate say they expect a senator to still resign from office despite a judge not accepting his resignation as a condition of a plea deal.
Democrat Virgil Smith on Monday was sentenced to 10 months in jail for malicious destruction of property in connection with a shooting incident involving his ex-wife. But Wayne County Circuit Judge Lawrence Talon said requiring Smith's resignation “offends the state constitution.”
Republican Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof said Tuesday that Smith “will resign at some point.” Democratic Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich says he “can’t see a scenario” where Smith doesn’t resign.
Meekhof says expulsion proceedings could be an option if necessary.
The Michigan Constitution says lawmakers are ineligible for office if convicted of a felony that breaches the “public trust.”
Schafer named to 8th Circuit Court for Ionia and Montcalm Counties
Gov. Rick Snyder Monday announced the appointment of Ronald Schafer, of Portland, to the 8th Circuit Court for the counties of Ionia and Montcalm. The appointment fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge David Hoort.
“Ron has faithfully served the citizens of Ionia County as both their elected prosecutor, and chief assistant prosecutor for the past 15 years,” Snyder said. “Ron’s commitment to his community, his experience, and reputation assure me that he will continue to provide great and respectable service to Ionia and Montcalm Counties.”
Schafer has served as prosecuting attorney for Ionia County since his election in 2005. He is also an adjunct professor at Michigan State University College of Law and Mid-Michigan Community College where he teaches an expert witness class and business law. He is a board member of the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals, serves on the Mental Health Diversion Council and works with the Michigan Partners in Crisis.
Schafer served as the chief assistant prosecuting attorney in Ionia County from 2001-2004 and previously worked as an assistant prosecutor in the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office. He is past-president of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan and previously served on the Indigent Defense Advisory Commission.
Schafer earned his law degree from the Detroit College of Law at MSU and is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Ionia Montcalm County Bar Association.
Schafer will stand for election in 2016 and will run for a full six-year term.
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