Civic leaders demand Olumba’s ouster

To the Honorable Jase Bolger, Speaker of the House: We, the undersigned, write to you today about the status of John Olumba, the state representative for the 3^rd District. We are offended that Mr. Olumba has moved out of the district that elected him. This move has been reported in the local media and is corroborated by his neighbors. The law requires an elected state representative to reside in the district in which he or she represents for a reason: so that he or she is familiar with the residents and the issues they face. Michigan Election Law (MCL Sec. 168.176) says: “The office of state senator or representative shall become vacant on the happening of any of the following events, before the expiration of the term of such office: The death of the incumbent; his resignation; his removal from office; his ceasing to be an inhabitant of the district for which he shall have been elected…” Also, the Michigan Constitution (Article4, Section 7) says: “Each senator and representative must be a citizen of the Unied States, at least 21 years of age, and an elector of the district he represents. The removal of his domicile from the district shall be deemed a vacation of the office.” [caption id="attachment_11976" align="alignleft" width="268"] John Olumba[/caption] We as active community members and neighborhood organization leaders, respectfully ask you take the action necessary to vacate Mr. Olumba from his position as state representative of the 3^rd district. We are sincerely tired of such political shenanigans in our community, request that a message is sent to those who would flout the west-established rules, and desire the opportunity to select a representative who will live among us, know our concerns, and serve with integrity. Signed:  Karen Knox, Eden Gardens Block Club; Russ Bellant, president Helco Block Club; Orlin L. Jones, President of Conant Gardens; George Preston; Karen Washington; Kenneth Davis; Staria Wheeler; Dr. Cheryl Moore, president of the North Central Block Club Association; Dean Davis, president, Hildale Block Club; Eugene Slappy; Mary Lee Slappy, Farwell Advisory Council member; Claudette P. Prince, Anglin Street Block Club; Shirley Burch, Dequindre Block Club; Carolyn Green, Justine Block Club; Eloise Moore, Binder St. Block Club.