Tenants say they traded vote for rent | Detroit Free-Press

Tenants say they traded vote for rent
Controversy swirls in Pontiac annexation

May 10, 2004


DAVID P. GILKEY/DFP
Mailboxes stand at the side of Rotsel Road
near two of the homes that sit empty in a
neighborhood that is now part of Pontiac.

BY JOEL THURTELL
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Six people told State Police they took free rent or other favors in return for votes -- votes that could have paved the way for a $2-billion development that was overwhelmingly opposed by Bloomfield Township officials, according to a Free Press review of police investigative files.

Despite the statements, Attorney General Mike Cox said last September that there was not enough evidence to prosecute.

In 2001, Harbor Cos. of Bloomfield Township wanted to move 80 acres of its land from the township to Pontiac through an annexation vote. All of Pontiac's 44,455 voters were eligible to cast ballots, and the annexation passed there, 5,879-1,086. But the only part of the township that could vote was the two-street neighborhood of 20 houses owned by Harbor. So, just 40 of Bloomfield Township's 32,146 registered voters were eligible, and only 22 voted. The measure passed, 14-8.

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